Visiting Angels Announces the 2024 Caregiver of the Year Semi-Finalists

*Meet the 10 Caregivers in the Running for the Senior Care Company's Top Honor*

*BRYN MAWR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / April 2, 2024 /* Visiting Angels, the nation's leading provider of in-home senior care, announces the 10 semi-finalists for its National Caregiver of the Year award. Visiting Angels franchise locations nationwide were able to nominate a caregiver they feel embodies the brand's mission. These semi-finalists are selected based on their commitment to enhancing the lives of their senior clients and families through compassionate and professional care.

"Caregiving is a challenging job and isn't for everyone," said Larry Meigs, CEO of Visiting Angels. "The 2024 Caregiver of the Year award nominees show true compassion and commitment to their clients by helping them stay safe and independent and often going above and beyond to make sure they are cared for."

Here are the 10 semi-finalists for the 2024 National Caregiver of the Year award:

*Samantha J. Fishman** - **Kennewick, Washington*

Samantha doesn't know a stranger; she treats every client like family. She continuously works to enhance her clients' lives with innovative activities that she creates based on their interests, including even using some of her children's toys to help improve a client's cognitive and physical strength. The office staff at Kennewick can count on Samantha to stay later with a client if needed and train other caregivers on challenging clients.

*Shera Williams** - **Ann Arbor, Michigan*

In just the last nine years as an Angel, Shera has helped well over 70 families in the community. She didn't hesitate to step up when a client went into the hospital. Shera then helped the client transition to hospice care and provided support for the family on the process of hospice and comfort care. She also builds backpacks with different activities for each client to engage them in personal ways to improve their physical and mental well-being.

*Zola Gasper** - **Spokane Valley, Washington*

With 50 years of caregiving experience, the last seven as an Angel, Zola is proactive, professional, and reliable. Her clients often show their appreciation for her, especially for her outstanding communication skills, keeping them well-informed in their loved one's care journey. Zola played a significant role in one client's recovery after a life-altering fall that led to a brain bleed. Zola then worked with the client's care team to assist the client to reacquire basic skills, from communication and using utensils to relearning how to walk. The client was out of a wheelchair and walking with a walker within days. 

*Kelly Bopp** - **St. Charles, Missouri*

Kelly is described as having the patience of an angel and a heart of gold. She's stepped up to take the lead on weekly meal prep for a client and their family, including planning special meals who are gluten-free. Kelly has taken the initiative to support clients and their families with many needs. She delivers exceptional care, making every client feel like they're her number one priority. Even after long overnight shifts, she's there, lending a hand to ensure everyone's well taken care of. Off the clock, you can find her donating her time to local charities.

*Bethany Demo** - **St. Cloud, Minnesota*

Bethany's attentiveness and respect for her clients are unparalleled. She ensures all her clients receive the best care, including driving 40 miles through a blizzard for a client who just had heart surgery. Bethany personally understands the important role a caregiver has in a family's life, as she also cared for her father with Parkinson's, who recently passed away. She has an uncanny ability to notice the subtle signs that might indicate a change in a client's health. For example, Bethany noticed when a client wasn't eating and wanted to go to bed earlier than usual. Because of her attentiveness, the client was admitted to the hospital for further care. She builds trust with even the most difficult clients, including successfully helping one overcome her anxiety to take a shower.

*Michelle Squatrito** - **Newburyport, Massachusetts*

Michelle's warmth and compassion make her a beacon of light for her clients and their families. She has the remarkable ability to empower those she cares for and remind them they're still their own person despite the challenges they're facing. She's a steadfast guide during tough times for clients, including motivating one to embrace activities he once resisted. Family members say they don't have to worry about their loved ones and know that Michelle is taking care of them. When not caring for someone, she rescues dogs, supports the local hockey team, and volunteers at her child's school.

*Gretchen Webb** - **Farmington Hills, Michigan*

As a nun, Gretchen has dedicated her life to service through caregiving, social work, and caring for sisters in her religious community. Her natural warmth and commitment to the well-being of her clients shine through every interaction.. Gretchen provides unique opportunities to her clients, such as taking one on a weekend getaway. She ensured the client's needs were met so they could enjoy a change of scenery. Together with her therapy dog, Gretel, she creates a supportive and encouraging environment that extends beyond physical care but allows her to connect emotionally with those she serves.

*Hannah Willis** - **Port Orchard, Washington*

You'll often find Hannah dancing around with her clients or playing the song "Drink, Drink, Drink" to encourage them to move or drink more fluids. She offers clients "Free Saturdays," where they can choose any activity they want to do, providing them with a sense of independence. Clients say they find her voice soothing to the soul and her presence comforting. In the low times of caregiving, such as when a client passes, Hannah provides a calming presence to families. She recognizes their need for space but offers quiet, supportive gestures in those sacred times.

*Michele Kaiser** - **Tallmadge, Ohio*

Michele has dedicated nearly 10 years of her career to Visiting Angels, including caring for the same challenging client for nine years. Her deep sense of commitment and incredible awareness allow her to read, empathize, and understand her clients on a deeper level. She'll cover a night shift for a client outside her regular schedule so the client can get changed for bed. Or she'll pick up their favorite coffee or breakfast order to put a smile on their face. She's trained upwards of 20 caregivers during her time with Visiting Angels Tallmadge. Caregiving isn't just a job for Michele; it's her way of life. Outside her full-time schedule at Visiting Angels, she lives with and cares for her mother.

*Gloria Dela Cruz** - **Nashua, New Hampshire*

Gloria's unwavering positivity and exceptional care for challenging cases have earned her admiration from clients and their families. Her ability to bring comfort and understanding to complex situations has transformed the lives of many, including a husband struggling with his wife's advanced Alzheimer's. While Gloria cared for his wife and helped her with daily activities, he was able to find time for himself and pursue activities like piano lessons and library visits. Gloria helped him understand what his wife was going through and taught him ways to support her without agitating her. He says he's now okay because of Gloria.

These 10 semi-finalists will be featured on the company's social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

The Caregiver of the Year winner will be announced at the Visiting Angels annual conference in June. The winner will receive a $5,000 prize, and two Finalists will each receive a check for $2,500.

*Media Contact:*

Nancy Bostrom
919.459.8163
*nbostrom@919marketing.com*

*About Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services, Inc.*

Visiting Angels began franchising in 1998 in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area. Today, Visiting Angels has over 600 private-duty agencies throughout the United States. Visiting Angels is America's Choice in Home Care. Our professional and dedicated caregivers proudly help older adults live comfortably, independently, and safely in their own homes. For more information on Visiting Angels or to find a location near you, please visit www.visitingangels.com.

*SOURCE: *Visiting Angels
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