Meet 80-year-old Gloria Weiller, Home Instead Care Professional for the Itasca, Illinois office. Gloria was recently selected as the Chicago Wolves’ Hometown Hero during their Dementia Awareness Weekend – spotlighting the compassionate and selfless care she provides to those with cognitive issues.
Gloria currently works in-home with an 87-year-old client with memory loss, staying long hours -- even rushing back after hours -- to assist with their needs. Her daughter, Marie, calls her work an inspiration – noting that caring for others is just what she does, and what she's always done.
“From her days at Resurrection Hospital to providing daycare in the 1980s, she's been there for others,” she says. “Mom nursed my grandfather through bladder cancer, supported my grandmother battling Alzheimer's, and cared for my father during his Parkinson's journey until he passed in 2016.
“She also helped care for my boyfriend with Parkinson’s and cirrhosis until he moved to a nursing facility. And because of my MS, she helps do my laundry and shopping. Her energy seems boundless – she’s my rock.”
When Gloria isn't providing care, she enjoys rooting on the Wolves, as well as her other favorite hockey team, the New York Rangers.
Thank you for what you do, and who you are, Gloria! You're an inspiration to us all!