Beavercreek Woman Wins Caring More Award
By Diana Blowers - Contributing Writer
Dayton Daily News
Leanne Maury’s parents stressed that “if someone needs help, you help them as much as you are able.” That family value led her into social work which, in turn, earned her the Crossroads Hospice “Caring More” award, honoring social workers who go “above and beyond.”
The Director of Social Service at Trinity Community in Beavercreek was recognized for ensuring that Trinity residents “maintain their quality of life.”
Maury lives in Beavercreek with her husband of 18 years, Fred Maury, and their children, Cody, 16; Rachel and Heather, 13 and Sarah, 7.
She had planned on becoming a nurse, but some social work classes led her to her “true calling.” Maury, who earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Wright State University in 1991, is also the coordinator of Trinity’s Memory Unit. She enjoys working with the geriatric population, especially the dementia residents.
“It’s a challenge at times, when working with dementia or Alzheimer’s residents, to find out the true person they are. It’s like opening a present at Christmas time. You know there is something in there, but until the wrapping disappears you don’t know what you will find.”
“Our job, in my opinion, in long term care, is to bring that person to their maximum potential.”
Recognizing that not all residents had regular visitors, Maury implemented a “Buddy Program,” matching each staff member with a resident. The staff member visits with the resident for at least 5-10 minutes, once or twice a week.
Repeatedly she heard residents say that they wished that they could get out once in a while. So, in her free time, Maury learned to drive Trinity’s van.
“Once I had my CDL, I could drive the residents on outings to the zoo, dinner, parks and other areas of interest.”
She also has taken residents to funerals, weddings and church programs.
“Leanne exemplifies what it means to go the extra mile for the people she serves, their families, her colleagues and community and we are delighted to honor her as the recipient of the Caring More award,” said Peggy Richardson, the executive director of Crossroads Hospice in Dayton.
The Caring More award comes with a $500 donation to the organization of her choice.
“I chose to split the money, giving $250 to Diabetics Dayton and $250 to Trinity Community’s Life Wish Fund,” she said, explaining that her mother is a diabetic.
Trinity’s Life Wish Fund assists residents with achieving a “life wish.”