At Amada Senior Care, we understand that caregiving is both challenging and deeply rewarding. At Amada, we often say it’s the hardest job our dedicated and compassionate caregivers will ever love, thanks to the positive impact they make in seniors’ lives every day. As the famous saying goes, “The hard is what makes it great.” In celebration of their dedication and professionalism, Amada Senior Care Corporation holds its Annual Amada Caregiver Value Awards, recognizing six outstanding caregivers who go above and beyond to enrich the lives of others.

During our national conference held last month in Southern California, we honored six exceptional caregivers who exemplify Amada’s core caregiver values, aka the “6Cs” – Compassion, Competence, Communication, Commitment, Confidently Humble, and Comforting. Nominated by the owners of Amada franchise offices nationwide, these caregivers not only answered the call to serve but also became vital contributors to the lives of the seniors they support.

Click the image above to hear from Amada’s honored caregivers.

Amada Senior Care’s 2024 National Caregivers of the Year

Drum roll, please, for our six honorees!

Representing the Value of Compassionate: VIDA

Known for her strong moral compass, prayerful spirit, and
positivity, Vida is not only reliable but also highly skilled in assessing and navigating challenging situations with wisdom and calm.

Vida had been caring for Dr. Bill and Anne for a year when her caregiving journey with the family took a profound turn after Anne was hospitalized with a hip fracture. Vida managed Bill’s daily needs while making sure he could spend time with Anne at the rehabilitation center. She began spending nights at the house so that Bill would have the extra support he needed, and seamlessly handled the routine of helping him get showered, dressed, and fed before leading him with his walker down the steps and into her car.

Vida went above and beyond to ensure Bill and Anne’s lives remained as normal and connected as possible at the rehab center during this difficult time. Tragically, Anne passed away suddenly just a week before she was scheduled to be discharged – and a mere 10 minutes after speaking with Bill that morning as was their habit before he left home for the rehab center. Vida became the emotional anchor for Bill, who had lost his wife of 56 years, never leaving his side as the family began to adjust to life without Anne.

Two days after Anne’s passing, Vida received the devastating news that her goddaughter had died during childbirth. Despite this unimaginable personal grief, Vida remained steadfast in her role, continuing to provide exceptional care for Bill while offering support to her grieving family. Her resilience during this time has been nothing short of heroic.

Vida’s journey as a caregiver began in Ghana, where her passion for helping others, particularly seniors and widows in her church, led her to the caregiving field. Her professional background includes years in office administration and quality control, but her heart has always been with the elderly. She is the epitome of a caregiver whom you would want to take care of your own mom and dad.

 

Representing the Value of Communicative: JESSIE

Jessie embodies all of Amada 6Cs of Caregiving with
unwavering dedication and love. She was named the “Personal Care Hero” at a local caregiver appreciation event, where her humble and kind nature shone through.

As a 9-year-old, Jessie helped care for her mother, rubbing her swollen hands and comforting her in her final years. Jessie worked as a machine operator in a paper factory for 25 years, leaving when her husband was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She became his primary caregiver and driven by a desire to give him the best care possible, she earned her GED and CNA license. Upon his passing, Jessie decided to dedicate her life to helping others. Her daughter, who works in occupational therapy, introduced Jessie to professional caregiving.

What sets Jessie apart is not just her technical skills, but her thoughtfulness and creativity. She doesn’t just follow care plans—she enriches lives. Jessie decorates homes for the holidays and plays music to lift her clients’ spirits. For her client Ann, she plays “Jailhouse Rock” to get her moving during exercise, turning something mundane into a fun and engaging activity.

Karen M.’s family describes Jessie as a godsend. Jessie stepped in when the family was struggling, and since then, she has become a crucial part of their lives. Karen’s mother, who had been resistant to in-home care, now lights up when Jessie walks in the door. Even Karen’s father, who initially wasn’t sure about having a caregiver, told his family, “Never let Jessie go.” Jessie doesn’t just provide care—she becomes part of the family. She decorates their home for the holidays, brings treats, and makes every day feel special for clients. Karen says that Jessie “fits in” perfectly, taking care of both the physical and emotional needs of her parents and always anticipating what they need next.

Jessie’s dedication doesn’t stop when her shift ends. She is there for her clients and their families in every way possible—attending funerals, comforting grieving children, and offering peace of mind. It’s no surprise that Jessie’s care has been recognized beyond Amada. In 2022, Jessie was presented Women with Vision Inc.’s Caregiver of the Year award, a testament to her impact on the lives of her clients and their families. In every way, Jessie exemplifies what it means to be an extraordinary caregiver. Her work is a gift not only to her clients but to everyone around her.

 

Representing the Value of Competent: EILEEN

Eileen is the true definition of “Human Sunshine.” She brings
warmth, compassion, and positivity to every client she serves. Eileen is our “fixer”—the person we trust to turn any situation around with her innate ability to understand what needs to be done. Whether it’s in the field with clients or assisting in the office, she approaches everything with a can-do attitude, always giving her all.

One client’s wife beautifully captured Eileen’s impact on their lives: “Each morning, an energetic young woman arrives to make our day—Eileen, my husband Roger’s caregiver. She starts his day with persistence and joy, rousing him from bed, dressing him, and making sure he’s ready for the day. But she does so much more. Eileen encourages Roger to walk, helps him with exercises, and brings out games like Legos and dominoes, which he hadn’t touched in years – and even Mr. Potato Head! She reads to him (although that sometimes causes him to nod off). She brings him to life, and her ability to make him smile and laugh again means the world to me. She cares for Roger, but in her way, she cares for me, too.”

Eileen’s care extends beyond the physical needs of her clients. She reinvigorates their spirits and fosters a deep connection with both them and their families. Another client, recovering from a serious leg injury, shared her profound gratitude for Eileen. After decades of caring for others as a nurse, this client suddenly found herself in need of care, feeling hopeless and unsure of the future. Eileen not only provided physical support but lifted her emotionally. She helped her regain confidence, teaching her to use technology to connect with family, shop online, and manage her medical needs. Eileen found a grandchild’s tablet, charged it, and helped the client set up necessary Zoom appointments with a psychologist and counselor, as well as entertainment options like movies and games.

Eileen’s encouragement led the client to rediscover the joy of reading, resume her morning meditation, and find new ways to stay connected and active during her recovery. Eileen even helped the client regain her independence by introducing her to ridesharing services.

Eileen’s unwavering support extended to every aspect of her client’s life, from setting up a home environment conducive to healing to helping manage her diabetes. Her attention to detail, both physically and emotionally, ensured her client was cared for holistically. As her client said, “Eileen restored me from a state of hopelessness to full function and independence. Her care was truly a blessing, guiding me through a long and difficult journey.”

 

Representing the Value of Committed: DYANA

We are honored to recognize Dyana for her extraordinary
contributions to the Veterans Guest House, where she has been a beacon of support for our veterans for the past year and a half. Initially assigned to provide transportation for veterans attending medical appointments, Dyana quickly transformed her role into something far more impactful.

Dyana helps veterans staying at the guest house with everything from making coffee and preparing light meals to driving them to their appointments at the VA Medical Center. Many guests have shared that they feel much less stressed when they learn that Dyana can take them to their doctor’s appointment at the VA. But perhaps most importantly, she’s a comforting companion. “I try to let them know that I’m their friend as well as that I’m here to help them,” Dyana says. “But I want them to know that I’m their friend first.”

Dyana was thrust into the world of caregiving when she was 15 and her younger sister was paralyzed in a car accident. Later, when her father was in hospice during Covid, she took care of him, so he didn’t have to be alone at the hospital.

Dyana has formed deep, lasting friendships with the residents, many of whom stay for extended periods, separated from their loved ones during challenging times while they undergo surgery or receive treatment. She goes above and beyond to create a warm, home-like environment, often sitting down for meals, sharing stories, and providing comfort during difficult moments. Whether it’s helping them unpack and settle in or simply holding their hand, Dyana ensures that each guest feels valued and supported.

Coming from a family with a proud military background, Dyana’s dedication to serving those who have served our country is deeply personal. One poignant example of her commitment involved a longtime guest who needed to fly back home to Mexico; he specifically requested Dyana to accompany him, knowing he wouldn’t be alone with her by his side.

For Dyana, working at the Veterans Guest House is more than just a job—it’s a calling. She wakes up each day excited to bring joy and comfort to those in need. Her invaluable contributions have not gone unnoticed; local news channels frequently highlight her work, showcasing the unique bond she has built with the veterans. One of these news shows shared that when Dyana noticed one veteran guest was having trouble walking and never left his room, she acquired a walker for him and introduced him to fellow guests. “Seeing him go from where he was when I first came in to when he left and how many friends he took with him is great,” she says. “And it fills my heart.”

 

Representing the Value of Comforting: LYNETH

Lyneth exemplifies the phrase “above and beyond.” Her
dedication and heart shine through in all she does, and it’s her nature to exceed expectations for her clients, their families, and her colleagues.

One story that stands out was a late-night call we received from a local hospital. A woman had broken her hip, and the hospital was in desperate need of someone to care for her husband, who has dementia. This was no small request—it was late, and the situation required immediate action. Without hesitation, Lyneth, who was ready for bed, quickly “got unready” and within 30 minutes was on her way. She arrived at the hospital, reassured the staff, escorted the husband home, and stayed the night to ensure his care. The wife and hospital staff rested easy, knowing he was in the best hands possible.

Another client family shared how Lyneth kept them updated throughout the day while caring for their mother in hospice. She sent photos, reassured them with messages, and helped them stay connected in the final days of their mom’s life. This act of empathy and communication brought them immense comfort. Lyneth didn’t just care for their mother physically; she cared for their hearts, offering them peace and comfort during an incredibly difficult time.

Lyneth brings joy into her seniors’ lives through her native Jamaican cooking, kind words, and the simple act of sitting and listening over a good meal. Our senior clients just melt in her presence, feeling safe, loved, and well-cared for.

One senior client’s family was faced with the decision of placing their mother in a facility or keeping her at home. They knew she could only stay home if Lyneth could take on more hours. The daughter said, “Mom is difficult to get along with, but somehow, Lyneth made a connection and comforted her like no one else could. She has been able to do what others couldn’t—bring out the warmth in Mom again. She even looks forward to Lyneth’s visits and calls her ‘the cat’s meow!’” For a family struggling with dementia, it’s a priceless bond.

Lyneth was there at every step for a client having frequent hospital stays in his final days. She sat at his bedside, provided comfort, and ensured he understood everything during a doctor or nurse visit. It’s not easy to be a calming presence in a clinical environment, but Lyneth made sure he never felt alone.

One daughter called after her father passed away, saying that without Lyneth’s help, they wouldn’t have known what to do. Lyneth brought calm, peace, and guidance to their family, allowing them to focus on being with their loved one in his final days, knowing that every detail of his care was handled. Lyneth is the caregiver you dream of for your own family—a true hero who goes above and beyond, time and time again.

 

Representing the Value of Confidently Humble: DIVINA

In a world where true selflessness often goes unnoticed, it is
imperative to recognize individuals whose unwavering dedication uplifts those around them. Divina shines as a beacon of compassion, enriching the lives of everyone she touches through her innovative approaches to caregiving. Her work has touched the lives of so many, transforming the role of a caregiver into a heartfelt mission.

Divina’s 71-year-old client Maureen, who battles Alzheimer’s, and Maureen’s daughter Aleena, stand as witnesses to Divina’s remarkable caregiving abilities. Divina goes far beyond daily tasks, creating a space where Aleena can return to a stress-free home, focusing solely on quality time with her mother. Through her meticulous attention to detail, Divina fosters moments of joy and connection, allowing Maureen and Aleena to share invaluable experiences together.

Divina’s profound attention to nonverbal cues, like recognizing Maureen’s discomfort when she couldn’t speak as a sign she needed to use the bathroom, highlights her intuitive approach to caregiving. Her ability to communicate through observation ensures that her clients’ needs are met promptly and with care.

But Divina’s care doesn’t stop at physical needs. She introduces creativity and innovation into caregiving, like incorporating Maureen’s interests into her daily activities. Weightlifting to prevent muscle atrophy, hiking to maintain mobility, and dancing to spark joy and independence—Divina turns routine exercises into moments of delight. Her intuitive understanding of each client’s needs empowers them to embrace new challenges.

As Maureen’s daughter Aleena says: “Divina’s love knows no bounds. She doesn’t just care for our mother; she loves her as if she were her own.”

For James, a 91-year-old client struggling with depression, Divina’s care has been life-changing. Her empathy and companionship helped him rediscover hope, transforming his outlook on life and helping him rediscover its joys. From teaching him Japanese to sharing Filipino dishes, Divina brings a sense of cultural connection, creating bonds that go beyond the traditional caregiver-client relationship. She became a cherished friend, offering not just physical care, but emotional healing and support.

The Amada Way: Care and Companionship

At Amada Senior Care, our passion is providing exceptional home care. We are dedicated to keeping seniors safe, happy, and thriving by delivering quality in-home care, which we believe is central to enriching lives.

Across our independently owned franchise offices nationwide, Amada caregivers use their skills and training to help seniors maintain their quality of life—an essential element of overall health and well-being. “Caregivers are the lifeblood of everything we do,” says CEO Tafa Jefferson, who founded Amada after working as a caregiver and earning his Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license.

During Amada’s annual conference last month, our six caregiving honorees were treated to a wonderful weekend in Southern California, enjoying great weather and activities and being pampered. The treat-filled weekend wrapped up with an awards ceremony during which they were recognized and and feted.

“We are beyond grateful for all our caregivers working at Amada offices around the country, as their passion for and commitment to enriching the lives of seniors make the Amada Senior Care name synonymous with exceptional home care,” said Mareanne Fontenette, Retention Program Manager at Amada Senior Care Corp.