October 1, 2007

Ralston Center Honors Outstanding Caregivers

Several years ago, Anna Williams found herself in a circumstance many Americans can identify with, that of being a caretaker for her disabled elderly grandmother.  No longer as mobile or physically able as she once was, Anna’s grandmother needed help with activities of daily living.  Anna helped her with bathing, cooking and housekeeping.  Although this assistance was appreciated and necessary, Anna discovered that what was most beneficial and important to her grandmother was helping her maintain aspects of her life that she had always enjoyed---family time, recounting memories, getting a new outfit to wear.   And it’s this experience that not only led Anna to pursue a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant but also shaped her approach to care of older adults.

Anna’s story mirrors that of all eight of this year’s Ralston Center Caregiver Award honorees.  The award recognizes Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) from eight nursing homes in the Greater Philadelphia area whose performance exemplifies excellence in the care of older adults. 

The honorees define excellence in care as that which goes beyond the routines of daily nursing home care---cleaning rooms, monitoring physical needs and changes---to link individuals with the quality of life they have known all their lives.  Victoria Horne, the honoree from Penn Center for Rehabilitation and Care, highlighted the point.  “What’s important to many residents is having a relationship with someone who cares for them and relates to them as a whole person.  This is especially true of those who have no family.”  Victoria went on to cite an example of one resident who enjoys going to church on Sunday; to add a little extra to the day, Victoria will often bring the elderly woman a hat or a new tube of lipstick. 

“Something as simple as engaging in conversations with our residents regarding things that they are interested in or excited about is so therapeutic,” says Lynn Woods, the honoree from Simpson House.  “I come away from the conversations having learned something for one, and secondly realizing that our exchange bolsters their feelings of self worth and relevance.”

Other honorees for this year’s award are Angela Allen, St. Ignatius Nursing Home; Phyllis Alvarado, Presby’s Inspired Life @ 58th Street; Anna Dussinger, Saunders House; Florine Willis, Centennial Village; and Luce St. Forte, Kearsley Retirement Community. 


Award recipients were chosen by their administrators based on their positive attitude, helpful behavior toward patients, consistent job attendance and demonstration of good judgment in decision making.  Each honoree receives $500, a framed certificate and a
permanent inscription of his/her name on the Caregiver Award plaque displayed at the nursing home.  Recipients will be honored at an official ceremony at Ralston Center on Thursday, October 18, 2007.


“It’s more than just a job,” says Anna Dussinger.  “Our residents are living in circumstances that are totally different from what they have known all of their lives.  It’s so important that we try to help them maintain a link to what were once normal, everyday activities in their lives.  I have had opportunities to pursue other career paths in healthcare.  However, the value associated with keeping smiles on the faces of our residents is too much to give up.”

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Ralston Center has served the needs of the elderly since 1817.  Its mission is to develop services which address the medical, mental health and quality of life needs of older adults and to engage and assist in research and education in the care of the elderly.