INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Indiana Health Care Association/Indiana Center for Assisted Living (IHCA/INCAL) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Senior Living Awards. Each year, the IHCA/INCAL recognizes long-term and post-acute care professionals across the state of Indiana for their exemplary contributions and unwavering commitment to delivering quality care to Hoosier seniors. Recipients are selected from peer and colleague nominations.
“With a combined workforce of over 60,000 individuals across our members, it was difficult to select just three awardees this year, but John, Elodia and Terri represent the very best of our industry,” said IHCA/INCAL President Paul Peaper. “Although no award can adequately express our gratitude for their commitment to our residents, we hope their stories are an inspiration for all health care heroes in the state as we jointly work to serve Hoosiers.”
The 2022 Senior Living Award recipients are:
- Caregiver of the Year: John Eastman, Saint Anne Communities, Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) of the Year: Elodia Guevara, Miller’s Merry Manor – Wakarusa, Wakarusa, Indiana
- Nurse of the Year: Terri Medford, Miller’s Merry Manor – Wakarusa, Wakarusa, Indiana
John Eastman, maintenance supervisor at Saint Anne Communities is known for providing the highest quality of care to his residents. From helping transport residents to their appointments past his normal working hours to taking them to the Zoo trips, fishing trips, Christmas light drives and sometimes even to the local Lowes or Menards just so they can get out for a little while, John exemplifies compassion and selfless service. He is passionate about residents’ well-being and is willing to do whatever it takes to make them feel safe and well cared for. Staff consider John as a role model and are constantly inspired by his tireless efforts for creating unique experiences for the residents. Watch this video to learn more about John Eastman.
Elodia Guevara has been with Miller’s Merry Manor – Wakarusa for more than 20 years! She continually delivers person-centered care by learning about her residents’ preferences and getting to know them on a personal level. As a CNA preceptor, Elodia also mentors new CNAs in the facility. Residents and staff admire her for her exceptional dedication and for treating everyone like family. Elodia ensures her residents are comfortable and goes above and beyond to make them feel special every single day. She helps them with their make-up and nails, takes them to the center activities and even makes sure they get to the beauty shop on time. Staff describe her as a walking billboard for servant leadership, patience and an inspiration for everyone in the community. Watch this video to learn more about Elodia Guevara.
Terri Medford serves as the director of nurses and has been with Miller’s Merry Manor – Wakarusa for more than 20 years. Terri started her journey with long-term care as a licensed practical nurse and has travelled a long distance during these 20 years. She displays strong clinical skills and has an extraordinary ability to make the residents feel like they’re at home. Staff admire her passion for exceptional resident care, a positive outlook and her approach to teaching and applying high standards. Her extensive experience and fearless leadership have proven invaluable to the Miller’s facility and she is certainly an asset to our community. Watch this video to learn more about Terri Medford.
Recipients of the 2022 Senior Living Awards were honored during IHCA/INCAL’s annual Convention & Expo on Monday, August 15 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis.
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