The Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA) held its Annual Resident Service Awards Program honoring the best resident care professionals in the state including Tammy Daskalakis, RN, at The Gardens in Danbury. The event, which was held at the Water's Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook on June 22, was attended by more than 150 assisted living professionals and by Connecticut State Senator Gayle Slossberg (D-14th District). Sen. Slossberg presented a General Assembly Official Citation to award winner, Noella Rhone, LPN, who cared for the senator’s parents while they were residents at Tower One/Tower East in New Haven.
The awards program was created in 2005 to recognize assisted living employees – including nurses, CNA/HHAs, food service, activities, housekeeping, maintenance, front desk workers – who have gone “above and beyond” in providing truly outstanding service to Connecticut’s assisted living residents. While most employees are nominated by their colleagues, this year Sen. Slossberg made a nomination as the daughter of assisted living residents.
“Connecticut is fortunate to have so many caring and truly dedicated workers in all levels of the assisted living field,” said Christopher Carter, CALA president. “This is a great asset to the families in our state who rely on this level of care for their loved ones. CALA’s annual awards event celebrates the quality of life older adults enjoy in assisted living communities, thanks to the exceptional care provided by our award winners.”
During the event, humorist and Southern Connecticut State University professor Joyce Saltman was the keynote speaker. Saltman, who is a former stand-up comedienne and popular guest on national TV news programs, talked to the group about the therapeutic value of humor – something that assisted living care workers know quite well.
Formed in 1995, The Connecticut Assisted Living Association (www.CTAssistedLiving.com) works to enhance the quality of life for residents of assisted living communities in the state. CALA promotes the professionalism and growth of the assisted living industry by serving as an active resource for its members – primarily through the proactive development and implementation of continuing educational services; professional development efforts; and general “best practices” business and management support.
