Each year, the Association for Professionals in Aging recognizes the professionals who do outstanding work in the field of aging. This year’s award winners were honored last week (February 19) at the Annual APA Awards Happy Hour at Seasons. Congratulations to the following:
Outstanding Leader – Kate Race, Assisting Hands Home Care
Kate serves as the Regional Director of Business Development for Assisting Hands Home Care. She is also a PAC-certified dementia care trainer and hosts a monthly dementia education webinar series "Real Talk".
As leader of three Alzheimer’s A
ssociation support groups throughout Northern Kentucky, she utilizes her 20+ years of experience in memory care to provide support and resources as she helps families navigate through their health journeys.
From a nominator:
“In the world of dementia, Kate has been a huge educational presence for professionals, patients and their families. Her compassion, joy and energy is always an inspiration to all.”
Outstanding Service Providers –
Sylvia Dwertman, Visiting Angels (tied)
As a marketing liaison for Visiting Angels West Cincinnati, Sylvia works to provide personalized and compassionate in-home care for older adults.
From a nominator: “Her unwavering commitment to older adults, their families and the broader aging community exemplifies what exceptional service truly looks like…Sylvia demonstrates a rare blend of compassion, innovation and professionalism. And, who can resist the angel cookies Sylvia and her mother provide as a treat for our area’s older adults!”
Daneika "DD" Farmer, Episcopal Retirement Services (tied)
As Household Coordinator Deupree Cottages, a long-term senior care facility
by Episcopal Retirement Services (EPS), DD oversees daily life of residents at the Cottages – doing everything from facilitating difficult family conversations to staying overnight with residents during snow and ice storms.
In her 15 years with EPS, she has held many positions, beginning as a versatile worker at the Cottages. Spreading her rich knowledge and enthusiasm in the community, DD is an accomplished public speaker and author. Recently, she presented at APA’s Aging, Music & Dementia Expo and authored the Amazon bestseller “The Caregiver’s Advocate: A Complete Guide to Support and Resources.”
From a nominator:
Beyond her professional accomplishments, DD’s impact is deeply personal. She is widely known for anticipating the needs of residents with remarkable insight and thoughtfulness. DD consistently goes above and beyond.”
Outstanding Leader: Jennifer Tilford, The Seasons Senior Living
At Seasons Senior Lifestyle Community, Jennifer is Move-In coordinator, helping families during what can be a challenging time. Jennifer serves on the Senior Advocate Action Group (SAAG) board and is an active volunteer with Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly.
Praise for Jennifer from her nominators:
“She is known for her quite competence and her servant’s heart…She is deeply respected and loved by the residents at the Seasons. She regularly engages with them through monthly activities, such as baking cake pops or preparing pretzels for the recent Winter Wonderland event. She goes above and beyond to welcome new residents, taking the time to understand their specific needs and serving as a dedicated one-person welcome committee and primary point of contact.”
