Each year, Caring.com a Senior Housing Forum Partner, takes the time and effort to honor line care givers who are the backbone of every single senior living community.

Each year, Caring.com a Senior Housing Forum Partner, takes the time and effort to honor line care givers who are the backbone of every single senior living community.   These are the team members who have the deepest interactions and relationships with residents.  They are often the ones that first spot changes in the physical and mental wellbeing of residents. Here is what Andy Cohen, the CEO of Caring.com had to say about their commitment to this program:

“Families trust professional caregivers to provide high-quality, compassionate care for their elder loved ones — often during a time of debilitating illness or aging transitions and challenges. This program highlights stories of extraordinary professional care, rewards caregivers, and helps families find the best service providers for their loved ones, too.”

Congratulations to This Years Winners

Barbra “BJ” Corn of Silver Angels in Monterey, Tennessee

An in-home caregiver who provided a 70-year-old mentally challenged client with her first-ever Christmas celebration, including a tree with gifts, home decorations, a special breakfast and dinner, introduction to neighbors in her housing complex, and indescribable joy for the client.

“I cannot stand the thoughts of someone being lonely, hungry, or without a smile,” Barbra says. “I always try to leave [clients’ homes] in good spirits, because we never know when that will be the last spirit they will experience.”

Samantha Szabo of From The Heart Elder Care in Sussex, New Jersey

A 23-year-old caregiver of two sisters (aged 93 and 91) — she listens to their stories and perspectives on news items, and she takes them on warm-weather strolls while walking behind them, telling them: “I will always have your backs.” Their nickname for her: “Old Faithful.”

Abu Fofanah of Roland Park Place in Baltimore, Maryland

Originally from Sierra Leone, this licensed practical nurse is so beloved by senior living residents that they post hand-written messages about his care and pass special notes for him through other staff when he’s away from work for a conference or continuing education.

Eva Ayala of Silverado Senior Living in Morton Grove, Illinois

A cancer survivor and certified nursing assistant (CNA) who gave up a lucrative real estate career to be a caregiver, she now thanks families for the opportunity to serve their loved ones.

Emily Chop of Aspen House in Loveland, Colorado

A CNA who developed and taught a “Family Interactions” training class for her co-workers; led dementia care classes for the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter; and created a blog and Facebook page for dementia care awareness.

Sonja Grennon of Robbinswood Assisted Living in Grand Haven, Michigan

An assisted living caregiver who wakes memory care residents by rubbing their legs and feet, and who uses her actions and words daily to show her residents “they are still alive and respected.”

Carrie Wooten of ComForcare Senior Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

A single mom of five school-aged children and certified dementia trainer with thirteen years of caregiving experience who takes on-the-job courses and shares what she learns with peers.

Amanda Small of Aspen House in Loveland, Colorado

A caregiver who engages a retired physician (who has dementia) with a chart of various medication names and numerals, helping him make plans for a “surgical procedure.”

Marie “Maude” Alfred of Masonic Village at Warminster in Warminster, Pennsylvania

A nursing home caregiver nominated by the adult daughter of a resident with Alzheimer’s, who was unable to speak but smiled and laughed in her care.

Dina Snyder of The Adult Day Center at Preferred Providers in Ann Arbor, Michigan

A certified home health aide specializing in dementia care who is frequently praised by clients’ family members and who recently began weekly in-home care training for family caregivers.

Senior Housing Forum joins Caring.com in congratulates this years winners. Steve Moran

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