david dickinson, executive director
of victory centre of Bartlett, a Pathway
Senior Living community in Bartlett,
Illinois. Dickinson’s first task of
the day is delivering newspapers
at 5:00 a.m. to
each resident’s
door, just one instance of how he
leads by example.
His unwavering
dedication to the
residents, family members, and
staff of Victory
Centre of Bartlett can be illustrated by
the many stories shared in his Hero
nomination. In one example, when
a community housekeeper’s son was
hospitalized, Dickinson made sure her
children had a warm dinner delivered
nightly while she was at the hospital.
In another example, when a resident
with limited mobility and discretionary income expressed interest in swimming, Dickinson arranged for free
transportation and reduced rates at a
local pool. Dickinson challenges staff
members each day and empowers them
in their jobs.
transport Loyalton of Harrisonburg employees to and from work during severe
winter weather conditions. Amick also
opened up her home to her community
colleagues during the storms, fed them,
and supported them as they came together to ensure all shifts were covered
and residents received the high-quality
care they value.
maggie Amick, memory care di-
rector at Loyalton of harrisonburg, an
Emeritus Senior Living community in
Harrisonburg, Virginia. Amick’s Emeritus Senior Living colleagues describe
her as a valuable
employee who
makes a positive impact daily
in the lives of
Loyalton of Harrisonburg residents and staff.
For example, they
point to the story
of a memory care
resident, who
joined the community in July of
last year after her husband passed away.
Amick became the resident’s support
system in a time of great need, working
extended hours to help her get settled
and accompanying her to the funeral
services. In another example, Amick
enlisted the help of her husband to
Lorinda nicol, LPn, health and
wellness director at clare Bridge of
spokane, a Brookdale Senior Living
community in Spokane, Washington.
Nicol is described by her colleagues,
residents, and
family members as an authentic, caring
spirit who cares
for and interacts with residents as if they
were her best
friends. Colleagues at Clare
Bridge of Spokane, a memory
care community, say it’s common to find residents
spending time with Nicol in her office—often talking about the activities
of the day, their families, their favorite
things, or just anything that keeps them
diego gutierrez, caregiver at
silverado of Belmont hills, a Silverado
Gutierrez’s Hero
Award nomination with inspiring stories about
his generous
spirit, dedication
to residents, and
willingness to
always help. It’s
commonplace to
see Gutierrez using his break time to
spend one-on-one time with residents,
all of whom have some form of dementia. In one heart-warming example of
his gentle and understanding approach,
Gutierrez made a meaningful connection with a particularly challenging resident. Having spent quality time with
the resident, Gutierrez learned that
he loved Motown music, so Gutierrez
incorporated music into the resident’s
morning routine. Now the resident
dances to Motown tunes as Gutierrez
helps him get dressed in the morning,
a daily activity that was previously quite
difficult. “He has a loving, caring dis-
“the dedication and passion of our people
definitely help make senior living the fastest-growing long-term care option in the united
states. the high-quality, resident-focused care
provided by these outstanding individuals and
their communities is what our nation’s seniors
need and deserve.”
—Richard P. Grimes, ALFA President/CEO
laughing and feeling upbeat. Nicol goes
above and beyond to work with commu-
nity caregivers, families, and residents
to develop care plans that are truly res-
ident-focused. Plus, her ability to bring
joy and comfort to residents—even in
challenging situations—is valued by ev-
eryone around her. Said one colleague:
“She is a servant leader of nurses and
caregivers who make a difference!”
position about him and he’s willing to
do just about anything to improve the
lives of residents,” said one of Gutier-
rez’s colleagues.
dominique marcus, certified nurs-ing Assistant at the haven in the vil-lage at carolina Place, a Five Star Senior Living community in Pineville,
North Carolina. A valued member of
