Bucyrus resident wins state caregiver award
BUCYRUS — Bucyrus resident Johnie Michael Marshall was surprised and humbled when he was recently named the 2022 Ohio Council on Homecare and Hospice Homemaker/Aide of the Year.
“I don’t know how I got here, but I am grateful, I am humble, and I accept this for all of those who take time to take care of others,” said Marshall.
He said some of the people he has helped have become like best friends of his and he is grateful for the opportunities he has received through his position at Freedom Caregivers, which is based in Upper Sandusky.
René Zamora, director of marketing and public relations for Freedom Caregivers, said she was deeply humbled and honored to introduce Marshall during a recent awards dinner.
Devoted his life to caring for others
“Johnie’s compassion and service to his clients is exemplary, and he walks our company mission of Honoring God in Service to Others. As I mentioned in his nomination, he has devoted his life to caring for others above himself, rooted in helping his mother take care of his siblings following his father’s passing,” said Zamora.
She said Marshall lives his love for others by accepting and meeting them where they are in their need for care, breaking through pride and resistance with reassurance and patience.
“Johnie can work with anyone. He has helped clients and their families work through life transitions, including moving from in-home care to in-facility care, and remaining after clients’ passings to help loved ones work through their grief and next steps,” said Zamora.
She said Marshall’s love for his clients transcends his schedule, and as a friend, he often continues to visit former clients in assisted living and long-term care facilities.
“Truly, once you’re one of Johnie’s people, you’re always one of his people,” said Zamora.
Involved in community and church services
Marshall is also very involved in community and church services in his mission to help others.
“The Freedom Caregivers family wants to thank Johnie for his caring heart and dedication, and for being a part of our organization. We’re overjoyed he is being honored today as he richly deserves this award,” said Zamora.
Marshall provides in-home care aimed at helping elderly individuals age in place at home rather than transitioning to alternate care settings through his position at Freedom Caregivers.
Zamora said that most individuals prefer remaining at home, and the services that the agency’s caregivers provide allow them to do that with assistance with daily living skills, meal preparation, transportation to local appointments, companionship, medication reminders, etc.
“Often, especially when families are geographically separated, the caregiver is the only person who provides a human connection to the world for the client,” she said. “We prioritize relationship-building to maximize quality of life for our clients, and our caregivers are the individuals who make that happen, Johnie included.”
For more information, visit the Freedom Caregivers Facebook page, facebook.com/FCaregivers.
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Bucyrus resident wins state caregiver award
