The 17^th bi-annual Best of Friends Award Ceremony was held by Friends Life Care on November 13^th, 2024.  November is National Home Care and Hospice Month. And what better way to celebrate than to recognize exceptional home health aides, the unsung heroes of the health care industry who demonstrate their professionalism by the quality of care they provide to members of Friends Life Care. This admirable award reflects the importance of the decades long mission of Friends Life Care — to help people remain in their home as they age.

Caregiver Nominations

Caregivers are nominated by Friends Life Care members and their families, the very people who they serve.  The care recipients submit a nomination form, which includes an opportunity to write what makes their own caregiver extraordinary.

A common theme found in these nominations is that these caregivers consider their work to be a compassionate calling (not just a job) and truly become a part of our members lives and families.  Our members and their families recognize the caregiver’s commitment and dedication and welcome the chance to express gratitude through their nomination.

About this Year’s Event

After a hiatus of in-person programming, this year’s event was held in person at Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting, with breakfast catered by Furio’s Deli. We were thrilled to bring the event back in person, providing an opportunity to strengthen relationships with our valued providers through camaraderie and networking.

Representatives from our care providers were honored for their caregivers’ significant contributions to the well-being of Friends Life Care members, who often face substantial health challenges while aging in their own homes.

During the ceremony, we remembered a cherished friend and inspiring leader, Bess Wray. Bess, the founder of Human Touch Home Care, passed away unexpectedly on July 6, 2024, following a brief hospital stay. Her dedication to her clients, her passion for caregiving, and her unwavering spirit have left an indelible mark on all of us. In her honor, Friends Life Care has established the Friends Life Care Education Fund, with the inaugural award named in dedication to Bess.

What is the Friends Life Care Education Fund?

Development of this fund was championed by Friends Life Care’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Taskforce. The vision and hard work of the taskforce have been instrumental in creating opportunities that support not only the excellence of care but also the empowerment and advancement of our team. Therefore, this fund supports the ongoing education and professional development of our devoted home health aides.

The Friends Life Care Education Fund will provide an award of up to $500 to assist with related expenses in health-related program, such as nursing studies, dementia care certification, and other education that advances caregiving skills and knowledge. Through this fund, we aim to foster the positive impact of formal caregiving education and inspire a commitment to lifelong learning. Applications will be accepted through December 13, 2024.

In addition, we were grateful to be joined by Mike Liskai from Zemplee. Through Zemplee, Friends Life Care is piloting the use of innovative technology that leverages smart sensors placed in key areas throughout the home, such as doorways, appliances, and furniture. These sensors monitor movement, presence, and daily routines, offering valuable insights that help our care team respond proactively and keep families informed.

We look forward to our next Best of Friends Award Ceremony coming in 2026!

Recognizing the Winners

The 2024 Best of Friends winners and the provider company they represent follow:

Caring Friends Home Care: Andrea Smith

 

 

Golden Wheels Companion,  Yvonne Walker

 

 

 

Griswold  Home Care, Melissa Dotson

 

 

 

 

Hardy Helpers Home Care – 5 winners

Victoria Simango

Moses Thabiso Mudadisi

Sheba Mashozhera

Chinwe Ezeoke

Charity Mhlanga

 

 

 

Human Touch Home Health, Stacy-Anne Parker

 

 

Silver Lining Homecare – 3 winners

Lineth Latore (Porter)

Audrey DeBernard

Crystal Finley

 

 

 

 

Turo Care– 2 winners

Booker Mbiti

Rachel Mwenda

 

 

 

Landis at Home, Carmen Garcia

 

 

 

Harmony Home Care– 2 winners

Aphrodita Shengelia

Nino Loseurashvili

 

 

 

Leta Loving Homecare Services – 2 winners

Darnett Prawl

Sandra Elliston

 

 

 

Senior Helpers, Eddie Jennings

 

 

 

 

Winners of a Best of Friends Award receive both a cash prize and a personalized certificate.  Friends Life Care is grateful for their dedication to caregiving!