Bethesda Celebrates Stories of Compassion and Dedication

Every year, Bethesda earns accolades for its exceptional communities, employees and commitment to outstanding care. Amid this collective excellence stand individuals whose unwavering dedication and corresponding performances go beyond what is expected, leaving an indelible mark on the numerous lives they touch.

Clarence Gibson (featured image above), a Certified Medication Technician (CMT) at Bethesda Dilworth, is one such individual who embarked on a transformative journey almost two years ago. His prior professional ventures spanned maintenance, warehousing and mechanical repairs, yet an inner quest for deeper fulfillment compelled him to seek a more profound calling. Encouraged by his wife, who works in healthcare, Clarence pivoted to bring his calm demeanor and commitment to service to the residents of Bethesda Dilworth, first earning his CNA certification after participating in Bethesda’s CNA apprenticeship program, and then becoming a CMT.

Beyond dispensing medications and fulfilling care duties, Clarence hands out healthy doses of comfort during his shifts. Standing tall at 6’3″, he often crouches down to meet a resident’s gaze, offering a calm word to soothe fears or brighten a challenging day, and has been known to serenade residents from their doorways with songs and encouraging words.

“I have empathy for everyone,” Clarence affirms in his trademark quiet manner. “I treat my patients as I’d wish someone would treat my own grandmom and mom as they age.”

His approach reflects a profound commitment to enhancing residents’ and families’ lives and earns him deep gratitude, evident in heartfelt gestures like a departing rehab resident who tracked him down to introduce him to her family and gave him a big goodbye hug.

His eyes glisten as he recalls this connection. “I was grateful to assist the family. I had to hold back tears; it meant the world to me,” he says.

Lauren Scharmer

Bethesda Hospice Care’s Clinical Social Worker Lauren Scharmer’s story reads as a testament to the sanctity of compassionate support during life’s last chapter.

For Kathleen McDonald, facing terminal cancer, the Bethesda Hospice Care team provided essential guidance and comfort to her and her family. The team included Lauren, RN Case Manager Kim Hengehold, and other dedicated nurses and nursing assistants, therapists and chaplains, who ushered Kathleen and her family through the poignant end-of-life transition.

Though a nurse herself, Kathleen’s sister, Francie Pratte, recognized her own need for guidance and support as her sister was facing life’s end. Living across the country in California, she leaned on Lauren and Kim, whose responsiveness and compassionate care eased burdens and guided profound decisions.

“They treated Kathleen with honesty, respect and compassion,” Francie reflects. “They connected with her on a deep level, assisting her journey towards spiritual peace.” Lauren said that she connected with Kathleen over shared faith, and she was honored to be with the family as the “veil between heaven and earth grew thinner each day.”

“I have a belief in the inherent dignity and goodness of each person. So often end of life is seen as tragic and something you just have to get through,” Lauren says. “But there can be such beauty in dying. I’m humbled and grateful to be with people as they’re about to end their journey on earth.”

Lauren’s heartfelt connection with Kathleen continued until her last moments and extended to attending her funeral, a gesture that resonated deeply with the family.

Not only were they surprised to see Lauren at the service but were quite astonished with her remarkable familiarity with each family member. She effortlessly recalled their names and shared vivid anecdotes about Kathleen and the family, almost as if she had been a part of those moments herself.

“It meant so much to have Kathleen at Bethesda during her final days,” Francie says. “The Bethesda Dilworth and Bethesda Hospice Care staffs truly cared for our sister as though she were family. We could not be more grateful, and I know Kathleen felt the same way.”

Clarence and the Bethesda Hospice Care team are just two great examples of our mission in action, and each showcases an unwavering commitment to elevating the human experience in healthcare. Their actions transcend professional duties; they embody a profound reverence for life’s delicate moments, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion and kindness. As Bethesda continues its legacy of excellence, individuals like Clarence and Lauren illuminate the path, reminding us all of the transformative power of genuine care and empathy in senior healthcare.