More than 5,200 hours of caregiving under her belt, Hackettstown’s Kathy Slater has not been named Home Instead Senior Care’s 2015 Mary Steibel CAREGiver of the Year based on time alone. Her special touches are what make her stand out to her peers and the families with whom she works.

Slater, who has worked part-time at Home Instead Senior Care of Hunterdon and Warren Counties since July 2010 on top of a full-time position, has dedicated herself to the families she serves. One story stood out when it came to name this year’s honoree.

“Kathy would arrive at [the clients’] home with a bag full of shelled peanuts, bird seed, and treats for the wildlife,” revealed a statement from Home Instead. “She would arrange the goodies around the base of the Blue Atlas Cedar trees that her clients could observe … [providing] them with hours of entertainment and conversation as they were amused by the antics of the squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and various other critters who came to dine.”

Putting in shifts during the day, overnight, and on weekends, Slater is embraced by the families she cares for, said Hurley.

Slater also seeks to improve herself as a caregiver at each opportunity. She recently took the initiative and became a certified Home Health Aide by attending night and weekend classes. She did this with her clients in mind, so that she could continue to care for them as their needs progress.

“Kathy will do anything to see her family of clients smile,” proclaimed Home Instead’s explanation of the honor. “She is one in a million and though her caregiving is a second profession, it’s her true vocation!”

The Mary Steibel CAREGiver of the Year award is one of the highest honors in the Home Instead Senior Care network.  Each year, a single CAREGiver who personifies the values of Home Instead is recognized with this achievement.