Armonk’s Hamilton Recognized for NWH Caregiver Center
Marian Hamilton knows as well as anyone how caring for a seriously ill loved one turns the world of everyone in a family upside down.
In 2004, her late husband Ken was battling an aggressive form of cancer, and during the course of his illness Hamilton shuttled between four or five hospitals. Overwhelmed and forced to keep her family going under dire circumstances, she landed in the unfamiliar role of caregiver ill-equipped to handle the task emotionally or otherwise.
“When you become a caregiver for a seriously ill loved one, it is not a job you apply for, it is not a job you dream for, it’s not a job you’re skilled at and it’s not a job you want,” said Hamilton, a 28-year Armonk resident. “So to suddenly be thrust in this role of having to care for a loved one who’s seriously ill and overlaying on that the whole extra component as far as how devastating it is to you emotionally, it is really challenging for families.”
In 2005, the year following her husband’s death, Hamilton approached Northern Westchester Hospital to propose a caregiver’s center, staffed primarily by volunteers to provide families guidance, emotional support and help answer their questions in time of need.
This year, not only has the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center reached its 10th anniversary, but in that time Hamilton has helped 12 other hospitals throughout the United States develop and open their own independently-operated centers.
Hamilton’s work was recognized by NWH staff, which nominated her for the L’Oreal Paris 2016 Women of Worth award. During the summer, Hamilton learned that she was one of this year’s 10 honorees among women across the United States who are recognized for volunteering and having a major impact on their community.
As an honoree, the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center receives $10,000 from L’Oreal Paris. If Hamilton finishes first in online voting that opened Monday and continues through Oct. 28 among the 10 women, the center would receive an additional $25,000.
“I was truly elated to have this honor because to me it really is validating the important work we do with family caregivers and recognizing that caregiver,” Hamilton said. “They’re like the invisible patient. They’re going to get a voice now, a greater voice for hospitals.”
Northern Westchester Hospital President and CEO Joel Seligman said Hamilton was precise and persistent when she came to the hospital with her plans.
“Marian knew a lot about how she wanted this to work and to feel and her instincts on these things have been outstanding,” Seligman said.
She has also built extensive community support, which has raised crucial funds to keep the center self-sufficient, he said.
Since opening, the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center went from having 500 family interactions the first year to more than 8,000 annually, Hamilton said. It opened with three volunteers; today there are about 35, plus two social workers and a full-time administrator, who helps Hamilton with many of the key tasks.
The program at NWH has also been expanded to include follow-ups with families after their loved one is discharged and to help with health care proxies, living wills and the execution of other key decisions.
With an estimated 64 million Americans spending at least 20 hours a week as a caregiver for a loved one, the role – and the need to look after the caregiver – will only expand.
“This has been the most meaningful and important work I have done in my life,” Hamilton said.
To vote for Hamilton and to learn more about the L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth award, visit http://www.lorealparisusa.com/women-of-worth/2016-honoree.aspx?profile=Marian-Hamilton. There can be one vote per day per e-mail address. Voting ends on Friday, Oct. 28 at 11:59 p.m.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/