Marie Coleman

When a 92-year-old woman was admitted to Homeside Hospice, in Clark, NJ, with a life expectancy of days, she scarcely ate or talked and wanted to be alone. As her caregiver, home health aide Marie Coleman, CHHA, CNA, embraced the woman as a person, not just a patient, and through countless hours of unpaid time, showed her the value of hope. The woman began sharing warm memories and her greatest sources of joy. She ate more and asked to leave her bed. She looked forward to the future. Days flowed into months, and despite declining health, the patient smiled, her newfound enthusiasm and increased emotional strength surprising her family and even the most seasoned nurses.