Last month, the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts gathered the industry at Granite Links in Quincy to honor six amazing individuals who represent the best of home care.
Since 1989, this fantastic event has celebrated the hard work of individuals and organizations who exemplify home care’s best values. More importantly, awardees are nominated by their colleagues and supervisors; winners are then selected by the Alliance’s Membership Committee.
Here’s a look at this year’s awardees, with excerpts from their nominations:
Me McBride, South Shore VNA, Aide of the Year
Imagine being the family member of a once-strong, determined man whose mind has been crippled by Alzheimer’s. You pray for help, and your prayers are answered in the form of an “earthly angel” named Me McBride.
She enters your home and takes charge with compassion and experience but — most of all — with respect for your loved one. For Me, the patient always comes first.
Vinette Tyme, HouseWorks, Aide of the Year
Vinette is a passionate home health aide, often described by colleagues and clients alike as “a dream” to work with, due to her dedication and exceptional skillset. She has an innate ability to anticipate clients’ needs and form personalized and effective strategies that work for them.
No task is too big or too small for her.
Gerry Sanderson, RN CDP, NVNA and Hospice, Clinician of the Year
Gerry has cared for hundreds of patients and families in the South Shore and her devotion to her patients is second to none.
Her approachable and positive demeanor is reflected in the way her patients interact with her, creating a safe and nurturing environment for all involved.
Nicole Geddes, LPN, Aberdeen Home Care, Clinician of the Year
Nicole delivers care, no matter what. If there is a need, she is there. She’s a roll-up-your-sleeves nurse, willing to jump-in and help an aide when needed or to manage a crisis in the middle of the night, on a weekend, or on Christmas Day.
She knows what to do and does it with tremendous skill.
Robin Pelletier, RN BSN, Southcoast VNA, Manager of the Year
Robin has successfully led Southcoast VNA’s Supportive Care Center since October 2016, where she guides an interdisciplinary team of 75 people. Her greatest accomplishment has been the extraordinary growth and quality of hospice services, doubling Southcoast’s average daily census and average length of stay.
Sandy Hurley, Commonwealth Clinical Services, Home Care Champion
Sandy embodies everything we value about nursing in the community. She is best known for “doing what needs to be done” from home visits, to setting up clinics, to teaching high school students about healthcare, to playing the piano at just about any function.
This year, Sandy extended her professional talents and skills to the mountains of the Dominican Republic, helping provide over 100 patients a day with health assessments, medications, and critical supplies.
As 2019 comes to a close and the industry prepares for a historic year of changes, the Star Awards allows us to pause and remember the dedicated workforce that makes home care such a success.
Congratulations and thank you to the 2019 Star Award Winners.
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