Over the course of 2018, 25 individual caregiver nominations were received from Care Management staff for those they felt demonstrated compassion, accountability, respect and enrichment when providing services to our members. With these nominations, LCI’s internal committee evaluated each submission from staff and chose the top three individuals each quarter to receive the C.A.R.E. Award!

Here is a recap of the 2018 winners, including the winner of Caregiver of the Year.

Quarter 1, 2018:

Maplecrest AFH, Joanne

• It was reported to LCI Network Relations and Quality staff that an LCI member was losing his prevocational and day services provider with the closure of WCI. With WCI closing, Joanne worked closely with the care team, WCI and Valley Packaging to obtain document signatures from the member’s guardian. This included taking multiple trips to New London to access the guardian at her place of employment in order to obtain signatures. These documents are required in order for the member to start at a new prevocational and day services provider.

Erickson’s Home Medical, Jessica

• Jessica was nominated for assisting an IDT staff by helping with getting our members their needed products in such a timely manner. Jessica is always pleasant and easy to contact and follows up immediately on any concerns or requests. Jessica has an awesome personality, and always acts in a professional manner. She is a definite credit to her employer.

Comfort Keepers of FDL, Katie

• Katie always goes above and beyond what is expected of her. She has a great eye for detail and ensures that members are treated with dignity and respect. One member in particular occasionally has skin issues and Katie is able to recognize the start of something before it gets too out of hand, potentially leading to another amputation or hospitalization. We are so thankful that Katie can provide a sense of security to our members, decreasing anxiety as they never have to wonder if she are going to show up for your shift or not.

Quarter 2, 2018:

Darren Walentowski

• Darren continues to go above and beyond for our members by making sure that their driveways continues to be clear of snow. He also moves the member’s vehicle, so she does not have to leave the home in the snow/cold, which is greatly appreciated.

TLC Fleetwood, Thresa

• Thresa was nominated for going above and beyond with an LCI member. The member has been unable to leave her home in over 5 years due to her mental health diagnosis. She has not allowed a medical provider to complete an exam. Thresa was able to work with the member daily, gain her trust, and build her confidence. She was able to be established with a Primary Care Physician and have the initial exam completed. Thresa has always taken into consideration the members boundaries and respected her limited. She has enriched the members life mentally, physically and emotionally.

Wilderness Construction and Landscaping, Brian

• It was reported to LCI Network Relations and Quality staff that Brian continues to provide excellent snow plowing services for an LCI member, even though she lives outside of his usual service area. He also snow plowed for her twice during a snow storm on the weekend of 4/14/18 – 4/15/18.

Quarter 3, 2018:

Theilman Home Improvements LLC, Eric

• Eric shows sensitivity and kindness toward our member. He respects, is patience and understanding of concerns, stressors and the impact of the work to be done on the home owner /member. He contributed to a comfortable environment and working atmosphere for all involved. The shower was efficiently installed, in a timely fashion. The space is trimmed out nicely leaving a clean new showering area. He matched the paint exactly and provided choice to our member with products when able. The space is usable and accessible. Eric’s professional demeanor and competent approach to this remodel was noticeable and appreciated.

Lamers Bus Lines Inc, Karen

• Lamers Bus Lines Inc. was nominated for the outstanding services provided to our members. In particular, LCI would like to recognize Karen and her consistent ability to provide excellent customer service. It was reported to LCI Network Relations and Quality staff that Karen is reliable, timely in her communication and goes above and beyond to meet members’ needs in providing transportation services. Due to Karen’s ability to consistently provide extraordinary customer service, LCI Care Managers call her first to arrange transportation.

Quarter 4, 2018:

Onesti Construction LLC, Jason Onesti

• Lakeland Care Inc. (LCI) recognized J. Onesti Construction LLC for the outstanding service that were provided to an LCI member. He was willing to go above and beyond to ensure the members needs were met. It was reported to LCI Network Relations and Quality staff that he was professional, courteous and knowledgeable in working with LCI to build a ramp at the members residence. Jason was very timely in the construction process and followed up with the member afterwards to ensure her satisfaction. Both LCI and the member were pleased with the quality Jason’s your work.

2018 Caregiver of the Year

Homes for Independent Living, Jenah

Jenah went above and beyond for an LCI member during his end of life journey. She put her personal needs and family to the side and stayed with the member through the evening and night so that she could be with him when he passed. Jenah showed the utmost compassion and respect towards the member and his family during a difficult time and ensured that an already difficult journey was made a bit easier by being there, listening, and helping where needed. She made sure the member remained comfortable and the family only had to focus on him. Jenah truly has a heart for those she cares for and it shows each and every day.