Washington, D.C.—The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) is proud to announce the 2011 recipients of the Administrator of the Year, the Assisted Living Nurse of the Year, Noble Caregiver in Assisted Living, and the National Assisted Living Week Programming awards. These winners represent the best in the nation in the assisted living profession. The winners are:
NCAL Administrator of the Year: Robin Aman of Rock Cove Assisted Living in Stevenson, Wash., has been with the company since 2001 and as the administrator for the last eight-and a-half years. Her staff view her as a leader, not a boss. Residents enjoy the creativity she brings to finding meaningful adventures and activities that enhance their lives. For example, Aman took a resident for a hot air balloon ride on the resident’s 90th birthday.
NCAL Assisted Living Nurse of the Year: Rachel Ellis is the assisted administrator/nurse in charge of resident care at the Gardens at Osage Terrace, located in Bentonville, Ark. Her everyday work ethic, compassion, empathy and heartfelt care make a difference in the lives of seniors. Her staff are well-trained and work cohesively as a unit to take care of residents. Her motto is “settling for less is never an option when it comes to a person’s life.”
Noble Caregiver in Assisted Living: Eugene Ring is the maintenance/environmental services supervisor at Heritage of Dover, Dover, Del. He has contributed to the positive well being and overall morale of residents and staff because of his outgoing attitude and willingness to help others. He hosts an annual picnic at his home for residents and staff. He organized a men’s group and takes them to breakfast once a month. He plays Santa Claus at the community and builds wooden display cases for quilts made by residents and staff.
National Assisted Living Week Programming: The Ponderosa Assisted Living Community, located in Yakima, Wash., was able to integrate the 2010 NALW theme “Living Life,” into every event and activity. Based on input from residents, staff and family members, the activities were tailored for the residents’ enjoyment and reminded them of how their lives touch others. A gratitude ceremony featured songs written by residents and a message from a Yakima City Council member that ended with a release of balloons. “Living Life frugally and responsibly in order to live luxuriously” activities included a trivia contest on best buys, a financial planner presentation, and ended with a lavish gala dinner which symbolized luxury.
The winners will be recognized at a special awards ceremony on Sept. 18, 2011 in Las Vegas during the Fifth Annual NCAL Day luncheon. NCAL Day launches the 62st Annual AHCA/NCAL Annual Convention & Expo in Las Vegas.
The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) represents more than 2,700 not-for-profit and proprietary assisted living and residential care communities dedicated to continuous improvement in the delivery of professional compassionate care and services for the elderly and disabled. NCAL is the assisted living voice of the American Health Care Association.