Lutheran Senior LIFE’s Lorena Avila Honored as 2013 Home Health Aide of the Year

 

Lorena Avila, certified home health aide for Lutheran Senior LIFE at Jersey City, was recognized at the NJ Home Health Aide Recognition Day 2013, November 12, 2013 at the PNC Arts Center. Ms. Avila and select home health aides from organizations across the state were recognized as a 2013 Home Health Aide of the Year. This award recognizes their unwavering commitment and outstanding level of care to those they serve.  

The Home Care Association of NJ set out to find home health aides who are going the ‘extra mile’ in their work, and Lorena is doing just that. Ms. Avila, a certified home health aide and a certified nursing assistant has been practicing as a home health aide for the past four years. She joined Lutheran Senior Life in 2010 and upon receiving her award expressed her gratitude for being apart of the LIFE family.

“I always keep the mission of this organization, helping those who hurt, who are in need, or have limited choices in my mind throughout my work. It has changed my life to be able to work with the senior population and to have met so many amazing people. I am so thankful to be apart of the Lutheran Senior LIFE family,” said Lorena.

Ms. Avila is responsible for caring for 12 LIFE participants and visits with them both in their homes and in the program’s day center. She explained that every participant’s needs are different, from reminding them to take their medications to light housekeeping, cooking, conversation and calling the doctor if necessary. “I really do a little bit of everything. Whatever the participant is in need of that day, I’m there to help them and be sure they are cared for,” explained Lorena.

There was an overwhelming response from LIFE participants, nominating Lorena as Home Health Aide of the year. Mia Phifer, executive director of Lutheran Senior LIFE expressed her appreciation for Lorena’s work, “Lorena joined the Lutheran Senior LIFE family shortly after we opened.  Throughout her tenure, she has consistently exemplified the work ethic, compassion, and dedication deserving of a “Certified Home Health Aide of the Year” designation.  We are extremely fortunate to have such a caring individual as member of our team!”

Lutheran Senior LIFE, a part of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey, is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). This federally recognized program provides a customized healthcare plan, for and with each participant. It enhances the quality of life for seniors by managing all their healthcare needs so they can continue to live safely in their community.

To learn more about Lutheran Senior LIFE, please call, 1.877.LIFE188 or 1.877.543.3188.