Local Residents Honored as Caregivers of the Year

Companions & Homemakers, Connecticut’s leading home care agency, has named 22 caregivers across the state as “Caregivers of the Year,” including Joan F. of Waterbury and Kandy D. of Naugatuck, representing the Middlebury area, one of the Companions & Homemakers regional offices throughout Connecticut.

Simultaneous Caregiver Appreciation Day ceremonies were held at each of Companions & Homemakers 11 offices across Connecticut on May 1. At each regional location, an hourly caregiver and a live-in caregiver was selected to be honored.

In addition to the caregivers and the individuals for whom they provide care, family members, community members, and fellow caregivers were on hand as Companions & Homemakers leaders expressed appreciation for all that they do, day in and day out. Attendance exceeded 500, the highest number for the annual ceremonies.

Companions & Homemakers serves residents in every community in Connecticut, and has been dedicated since its founding to assisting families in preserving dignity through independence and the comforts of home. With consistently high customer satisfaction ratings and numerous industry awards, Companions & Homemakers is Connecticut’s leader in homecare and companion services.

The 22 Caregivers of the Year for 2019 have 181.1 combined years of service to Companions & Homemakers clients, with an average years of service of 8.5 years.

“We are extremely proud of the dedication of our Caregivers of the Year, and we appreciate all that they do to preserve independence through dignity at home,” said William Geiger, Chief Operating Officer of Companions & Homemakers. “This is a very special day for us. They are a reflection of so many wonderful caregivers and our entire staff. Their collective efforts speak volumes about their character and commitment, and the meaningful difference they make in peoples’ lives.”

Joan F., a live-in caregiver, was described this way be a client: “Anyone who employs Joan will thank their lucky stars and will have angels on your pillows.” Kandy D., a caregiver for two decades, has consistently received high praise from clients and their families.

Each Caregiver of the Year received a framed commemorative certificate, a monetary award and a bouquet of flowers, and was celebrated by those present, including many caregivers from the local area and individuals and family members for whom they provide care. They also received special Companions & Homemakers branded items, including a tote bag and personalized commemorative tumbler.

All caregivers present received gifts from Companions & Homemakers, and the day of appreciation also included raffle contests, prizes, and an essay contest for caregivers, as well as the opportunity to “pay it forward” through charitable donations to be made in their names by Companions & Homemakers to the Wounded Warrior Project, The American Cancer Society’s Connecticut Chapter, the Connecticut Alzheimer’s Association, and the Lucky Pup Dog Rescue.

Honored as Caregiver of the Year for their respective regional offices are Zola N. and Debra V. in Avon, Brenda M. and Penny W. in Berlin, Mary A. and Marsha M. in Clinton, Dionne B. and Susan M. in Enfield, Hazel E. and Laura R. in Farmington, Deborah A. and Damaris O. in Glastonbury, Phamsheita C. and Annmarie D. in Hamden, Marvet M. and Deborah W. in Litchfield, Joan F. and Kandy D. in Middlebury, Lulu A. and Vashti G. in Norwich and Reneita W. and Kim P. in Westport.

According to an AARP study, 90 percent of people age 65 and over would prefer to stay in their own homes as they get older — and not go to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Aging in place is defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level."

Companions & Homemakers is Connecticut’s most trusted home care agency, having earned that reputation by providing quality in home care to thousands of older residents in communities all across the state since the business was founded in Connecticut in 1990.

Companions & Homemakers is a charter member of the Connecticut Chapter of the Home Care Association of America and an accredited member with an A+ rating of the Better Business Bureau. Companions & Homemakers now has 12 Connecticut offices, located in Avon, Berlin, Clinton, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Hamden, Litchfield, Middlebury, Norwich and Westport. The newest office, in Danbury, opened earlier this year.

For information, visit https://companionsandhomemaker...