Marian Hamilton, founder of The Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center, Named US "Outstanding Caregiver"

The founder of a Mount Kisco-based center for caregivers tops a new list of the nation’s best practices to help patients and families dealing with the many and exhausting tasks that come with caring for a loved one who is ill.

Marian Hamilton founded the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center at Northern Westchester Hospital after her husband’s death in 2004 from cancer. She envisioned a place for caregivers within a hospital where they could “refuel and recharge,” as well as find trained, caring individuals to talk to.

Now, in a list of 25 of the Nation’s Best Practices in Patient and Family Engagement, Hamilton was named the top “Outstanding Caregiver” in the country by the Caregiver Action Network.

“Once again, Marian’s dedication to helping family caregivers is being recognized, earlier this year by the Volunteer Center of the United Way, and now the Caregiver Action Network,” Joel Seligman, President and CEO, Northern Westchester Hospital, said in a press release. “She continues to inspire us, our patients, and caregivers who benefit greatly from the resources offered at the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center here at Northern Westchester Hospital.”

The center offers free supportive services to anyone providing care to a loved one, whether or not they are a patient at NWH, including monthly caregiver support groups and community resource referrals.

“I am grateful to the Caregiver Action Network for this recognition,” Hamilton said. “The Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center is successful because we provide incredibly meaningful services to caregivers – supportive services that allow them attend to their own needs while they selflessly care for their loved ones. It is encouraging to see more and more healthcare institutions around the country replicate our program. It is truly gratifying.”