WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) announced the recipients for the 2024 AHCA/NCAL Awards Program today. Each year, AHCA/NCAL recognizes individuals working in long term and post-acute care centers, as well as those who represent the best in the assisted living sector. These honorees demonstrate a commitment to excellence and improve the lives of seniors and individuals with disabilities in their communities.
“These recipients have demonstrated considerable leadership, talent, and dedication to their residents and colleagues," said AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson. “These awards are a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in resident care as well as the positive impact they have on those around them."
The 2024 AHCA Awards categories and recipients are:
- AHCA Leader of the Year Award: Alice Smith, Administrator at Highland Park Care Center & Highland Park Assisted Living in Alliance, Nebraska
As an administrator at Highland Park Care Center and Highland Park Assisted Living, Alice Smith exemplifies exceptional leadership, communication, and teamwork skills in her work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith adhered to stringent guidelines to ensure resident safety, worked in various departments, and obtained her Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) certification to better assist the nursing staff. Smith actively involves her facilities in community collaborations, partnering with local non-profits and organizing various drives to support those in need and integrate community involvement into residents' daily lives. Specifically, she recently raised funds for adaptive bikes, allowing residents to safely enjoy outdoor activities. Smith's achievements also include leading Highland Park Care Center to earn the 2024 Silver Quality Award and leading Highland Park Assisted Living to earn the 2024 Bronze Quality Award.
- AHCA Noble Caregiver Award: Rick Baldini, Maintenance Director at Waters Edge Health and Rehabilitation in Kenosha, Wisconsin
Maintenance Director Rick Baldini enhances the well-being of residents and overall morale at Waters Edge every day. His interactions go beyond routine maintenance tasks as he engages with residents personally, understanding their needs and preferences. His involvement in facility activities, such as fundraising events, demonstrates his commitment to fostering a supportive community. Baldini's commitment to residents' quality of life is evident in his prompt attention to maintenance needs, even beyond regular hours. By maintaining and repairing essential equipment like mobility aids and beds, Baldini empowers residents to live as independently as possible. His timely responses to concerns, whether troubleshooting electronic devices or fixing personal items, underscore his dedication.
The 2024 NCAL Awards categories and recipients are:
- NCAL Leader of the Year Award: Ami A. Mendez, Nursing Home Administrator and Assisted Living Manager at Avista Senior Living North Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona
Ami A. Mendez, a certified nursing home administrator and assisted living manager, has set a remarkable standard of care over her nine-year tenure at Avista Senior Living North Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona. Mendez's commitment to addressing the needs of an often-marginalized, elderly population who relies on Medicaid is evident through the specialized programs she has developed, and she has introduced and designed company-wide programs and risk-mitigating documentation tools. Under her leadership in her dual role, the community has become a beacon of hope for low-income seniors and a vibrant, safe, and trusting work environment for her team. Through 33 years of experience, her ability to provide resources to her peers, company, and residents is unmatched.
- NCAL Noble Caregiver Award: Jayden Chandler, Caregiver at Rock Creek of Ottawa in Ottawa, Kansas
Jayden Chandler is recognized for her significant contributions to residents' well-being and enhancing the community environment at Rock Creek of Ottawa in Ottawa, Kansas. Her compassion and dedication are evident in her daily interactions, as she ensures each resident feels at home. Her problem-solving skills, particularly in dementia care, have improved residents' daily lives, and she has become the “abilities care champion" for her facility, training staff on various levels of dementia and ensuring comprehensive resident care. Chandler also engages residents through activities they enjoy and maintains a positive attitude, even on challenging days. Her work empowers residents, fostering a sense of autonomy and dignity, and her leadership and dedication are recognized by residents, co-workers, family members, and volunteers alike.
The AHCA and NCAL Leader of the Year awards recognize an administrator or executive director, director of nursing, or someone in a regional leadership position who demonstrates outstanding innovation, achievement, and capabilities in their provision of high-quality, person-centered care in a service-oriented culture in long term care.
The AHCA and NCAL Noble Caregiver awards recognize frontline caregivers, support and office staff from any department for their contributions that lead to improved quality of life for the residents and create a better work environment for the facility's staff. This includes, but is not limited to, direct care staff from nursing (also includes CNAs, LNAs, and LPNs), therapists, support or office staff, housekeeping, dietary, activities or recreation, laundry, and maintenance departments.
AHCA/NCAL award recipients will be honored during a formal ceremony at
Delivering Solutions 24, the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, held this October in Orlando, FL.