Annual Home Care Aide Celebration

On Thursday, November 7, the Home Care Aide Council held its Annual Home Care Aide Celebration at the Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, Massachusetts

The event is held annually to celebrate the dedication and commitment of home care aides throughout the Commonwealth whose work enables so many frail elders and disabled individuals to remain in their own homes.

Through seven awards, we recognized the commitment and excellence of home care aides and their allies in support of Massachusetts’ older adults. Bringing attention to this important workforce, while also highlighting those who have achieved excellence in their field, is at the heart of this annual event. Council members nominate the individuals who are recognized at the event.

This year there were 70 nominations in total for the Awards.

We were fortunate to have our champions from the Legislature Senator Patricia Jehlen, Representative Tom Stanley and Representative Carmine Gentile welcome everyone to the event.

The Ally Award was given to The Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts in recognition of the partnership we have formed for over half a decade to obtain rate increases and make the increases permanent for our essential workforce thus enabling Providers to pay their workers, enough pay to stay.

And for our work together educating state legislators about the home care industry and the essential work of home care aides.

The Homemaker PC/Homemaker of the Year Award went to Olga Martolomeu of Homemaker Services for her outstanding dedication and the exceptional skills she brings to the delivery of home care. 

Tujuana Smith of Anodyne won the Home Health Aide of the Year Award for her commitment, personal care skills, and her compassion.

The Leadership Award was presented to Lisa Gurgone, CEO of Mystic Valley Elder Services for her actions as a leader and role model to her peers.

Marie Vertilus of Seraphic Springs was named the Scheduler/Coordinator of the Year for the consideration she shows for clients as well as her effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Timothy Pierre of Abernathy Home Care was selected as the Rookie of the Year – an individual who is new to the home care industry, working as a home care aide for less than 2 years.

The ASAP Case Manager of the Year was Evan Wilson of Springwell for his extraordinary enthusiasm, innovation, and commitment to their job.

In addition to the recognition by the Home Care Aide Council, the winners were awarded Certificates from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs by Lynn Vidler, Senior Director, Operations & Policy, Home Care. 

The success of the event was all due to the commitment of the Event Committee – Angela Rocheleau of Guardian Angels Senior Services, Debbie Harrington of Homemaker Services, Courtney Quinn of Anodyne Homemaker Services, Sarah Clark of Abernathy Home Care, Rosaleen Doherty of Right at Home Boston & Maine, Tola Olubanjo, Bunmi Atewologun and Marline Pierre-Francois of Seraphic Springs Health Care Agency, and Kristin McHugh of Prime Home Health and Companion Care.

(Photo Credit: Normand Lareau)