COLUMBIA, Maryland—Maxim Healthcare Services (Maxim), a provider of continuous skilled nursing services and personal and behavioral care, named Bill Shields, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) from Baltimore, as the National Home Healthcare Caregiver of the Year. Maxim also unveiled a new award, naming Caitlin Drumel as the company’s first National Behavioral Caregiver of the Year. Shields and Drumel were honored with the John “Doc” Langley Caregiver of the Year award during a ceremony in Baltimore on April 3, surrounded by their colleagues, fellow nominees and loved ones.
“For the last 14 years, Maxim’s National Caregiver of the Year event has recognized the dedicated, compassionate caregivers who strive to make a difference in the lives of their patients every day,” said Maxim’s Chief Executive Officer, Jarrod DePriest. “This year, we named a National Home Healthcare Caregiver of the Year and introduced a new national award to acknowledge significant service in the behavioral care community. We deeply admire Bill and Caitlin for their respective years of service, and are thrilled to present them both with this much-deserved recognition.”
For nearly 30 years, Shields has worked as a caregiver, spending the last 25 years of his career with Maxim. Shields is described as a selfless, dedicated and intuitive nurse by his colleagues. He has been caring for one patient with ALS for the past 16 years. The patient, who communicates primarily through his eyes supported by a computer and relies on a machine to breathe, says Shields has faithfully served as his arms, legs and voice for the tenure of their relationship.
“Bill is an extremely devoted caregiver who always goes the extra mile,” said Pamela Rowan, clinical manager with Maxim’s Baltimore office. “Bill regularly takes additional shifts so his patient has the support he needs both at home and out in the community. Not only does he provide excellent patient care, he also routinely volunteers to train our new nurses.”
Prior to caregiving, Shields served in both the Army and the Army National Guard. Just like he proudly served his country, Shields is proud to work for Maxim because of the organization’s commitment to providing comprehensive care. “I just want to say thank you very much,” said Shields. “I’m humbled; I’m honored; thank you so much Maxim.”
Drumel, a registered behavior technician from Carlsbad, California, made an impact immediately after joining Maxim. In the two years she has spent with the company, colleagues said she has become a vital part of the office’s care team. Drumel is intimately familiar with behavioral care. She has a younger sister with Autism, her mother works in hospice and she previously cared for two children with cognitive disabilities. Given her skills and background, Drumel brings a depth of empathy, compassion and understanding to her work every day.
“Caitlin has never shied away from a challenge and shows compassion to everyone she meets,” said Jamie Christman, M.Ed. BCBA, clinical manager with Maxim’s Carlsbad office. “One of her remarkable strengths is her talent for elevating the standard of care. Caitlin not only proactively checks in and offers her support whenever she has a cancellation or free time, she also empowers those she works with by fostering positive outcomes and enriching the lives of Maxim’s clients and their families.”
Drumel, who was quickly promoted just after seven months at Maxim, has expressed a desire to pursue an advanced degree so she can become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. This would further her growth in the ABA field and broaden her reach and impact on those with Autism.
“I want to thank my team at Maxim for always pushing me to do better and better,” said Drumel. “I would also like to thank my mom for instilling in me the importance of compassion for others."
Maxim’s Caregiver of the Year Award program celebrates nurses, home health care aides and behavioral direct care workers for their impactful contributions to the home healthcare community. Shields and Drumel were selected from hundreds of nominations across the country.