Newsworthy

Caroline Abrahamson, a speech language pathologist with our Rehabilitation Services team, exemplifies the power of human connection in healthcare. Her clinical expertise is matched by her deep commitment to understanding each patient’s story. She reminds us that healing isn’t clinical, it’s personal—and that’s why we’re proud to recognize her as this month’s Person of the Moment.

Caroline’s Nomination

Caroline Abrahamson has made numerous small moments for patients through her work as a speech language pathologist with Stormont Vail Health. But what’s special about Caroline is how she enhances her clinical work by connecting to patients—learning about their lives and letting them know they are valued.

Some of Caroline’s patients are dealing with life altering health issues, learning how to communicate again after a stroke or how to enhance communication when faced with cognitive declines. One particular patient Caroline made a profound impact on was suffering from a rare form of dementia that caused him to have aphasia and no longer associate the correct words with objects and the people in his life.

Caroline made him a guidebook that associated pictures of people, places and things in his life with words, giving him a tool to continue to communicate and remain connected. She helped him locate a cell phone that could be personalized with photos of people he wanted to call so he could maintain contact with friends and family. She provided numerous suggestions on other ways to keep him connected with a world that was slowly becoming more difficult to navigate because of his illness.

Probably more important than any of the tools, Caroline went the extra mile and learned about her patient’s life, his work, his hobbies and interests. Treatment sessions were personalized to connect to his past experiences and interests so he became more motivated to participate. Caroline’s encouraging words were impactful to the patient and family.

Caroline is the epitome of Stormont Vail’s first tenet: Together we treat every patient, visitor and team member with compassion and dignity.

Compassion and dignity are not always words associated with dementia. Caroline made sure that compassion and dignity were part of this patient’s experience, even at the end when she came to his funeral to give condolences.

Caroline will always be thought of by our family as a very special person for her professionalism and support.

About the Person of the Moment Award

At Stormont Vail Health, small moments can make a big difference. The Person of the Moment Award honors team members who go above and beyond to create meaningful connections—whether with a patient, visitor, or colleague.

Each month, one team member is recognized for an act that reflects our core values of compassion, dignity, and excellence. These everyday heroes are celebrated within their departments, and honored collectively at our annual awards banquet.

It’s our way of spotlighting the people who make Stormont Vail a place of heart and humanity.