SpringfieldNewsSun.com

Amy Arnett of Gem City Home Health Care was the nurse for my husband, Art Valerio. She is a wonderful nurse, everything that a home health care nurse should be plus more. My husband had a severe lung condition and had been sick for several years. He became very sick a year ago and he did pass away this past March. Because of our nurse, Amy, my husband was able to spend the past year here in our home. For our family, home health care just seemed to be the perfect situation that we wanted to be in. Art was comfortable and happy to be around his family at home instead of some institution. I feel that I could have never been a good caregiver if it had not been for our nurse, Amy. She was so skilled clinically and in constant contact with our doctors. She could monitor Art's condition and knew when we should confer with the doctors. We trusted her completely. Amy was an excellent teacher which is so important for home health care to be successful. I had no experience in the health care field. Amy taught me how to run a feeding tube and pick line. When Art was bed-ridden, Amy gave us tips on how to handle his care to make things easier and safer. She always explained how to care for him in a concise manner. She gave me the confidence that I needed in order to care for Art. When Art's condition became extremely critical and he was released from the hospital for the last time, Amy was willing to make her visits in the evening and on weekends. Without her care and compassion, I do not believe that Art would have lived as long as he did nor as happily. Our family will always be grateful for Amy.
Nominated by Jeanne Valerio