Maine Health Care Association (MHCA) and the Maine Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) honored 20 long term care workers with the Excellence in Long Term Care Award, November 13, at Thomas College’s Spann Student Commons. The prestigious Excellence in Long Term Care Award recognizes Maine’s most dedicated and inspired caregivers who tirelessly serve thousands of older and disabled individuals living in Maine nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and those too receiving in-home care services.

With more than 80 nominations this year, a panel of judges chose winners after carefully reviewing detailed letters addressing criteria including nominees’ ability to deliver consistently high-quality compassionate care; ability to serve clients with respect and dignity; and their ability to inspire others with fortitude in a challenging and ever-growing field.

The winners represent Maine’s most exceptional.

“These individuals are nothing short of amazing,” said MHCA President and CEO Angela Westhoff. “We should all be so lucky as to have anyone of these people helping us when our turn comes. These are consummate professionals with a natural disposition to give of themselves day in and day out. As all of us know, caregiving is not for the weak. These are tough jobs, but as this group of 20 will tell you, the reward that comes from true service-oriented caregiving brings lifelong personal fulfilment. I am grateful to each of our winners.”

On hand to deliver the inspiring keynote at Thomas College was Betsy Hopkins, Director of Maine’s Office of Aging and Disability Services.

“The care and dedication of these honorees is evident and overwhelming," said Hopkins. "I pledge to you today to keep a light beaming on you and your peers, the lifeblood of long-term health care.”

Maine Health Care Association, which represents the 200+ Maine nursing homes, assisted living/residential care facilities, has been recognizing Maine’s service staff for nearly 20 years with this award.

Winners:

• Wedad Ahmed from Community Home Health Care, LLC

• Tonya Brewster from Montello Commons

• Raeanne Burgess from Barron Center

• Josie Chase from Russell Park Rehabilitation and Living Center

• Richard Clift from MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Nursing Care

• Angela Friend from Scarborough Terrace Assisted Living and Memory Care

• Joyce Gagnon from Brewer Center for Health and Rehabilitation

• Courtney Gold from Mid Coast Senior Health Center

• Michael Hawley from Maine Veterans’ Homes, South Paris

• Katrina Hedgpeth from Hawthorne House

• Kim Horton from Home, Hope and Healing

• Sandra Illingworth from Maine Veterans’ Home, Scarborough

• Lacey Kalloch from Maine Veterans’ Home, Machias

• Tanya Kennagh from Schooner Memory Care

• Dianna Leeman from Elder Care Network of Lincoln County

• Daniel Martel from RiverRidge Center

• Mariko Murray from Hibbard Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation

• Nicole Ramsey from Piper Shores

• Nancy Schvertt-Paige from The Meadows

• Sherry White from Market Square Health Care Center

Click the attachment below for the winners' bios.