Care group awards Hibbard’s CNA

AUGUSTA — Patricia Whitman, CNA, of of Greenville and an employee of the Hibbard Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dover-Foxcroft, recently received the Maine Health Care Association (MHCA) 2016 Celebrating Excellence in Caregiving Award during a recognition ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center. The awards, presented by Maine First Lady Ann LePage, are given annually to long-term care employees throughout Maine who have consistently exemplified a commendable level of caregiving, dedication and professionalism in caring for the state’s elderly and disabled citizens living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Contributed photo

EXCELLENCE IN CAREGIVING AWARD — Patricia Whitman, CNA of the Hibbard Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dover-Foxcroft, second from left, was presented with the Maine Health Care Association 2016 Celebrating Excellence in Caregiving Award at the Augusta Civic Center. Pictured are, from left, Maine First Lady Ann LePage, Whitman, Hibbard Skilled Nursing Center Administrator Angela Jones and Rick Erb, president/CEO of the Maine Health Care Association.

Whitman was one of 30 caregivers who received the honor in 2016. Hibbard’s officials say she is compassionate and reliable, providing consistent care to residents. She is always willing to go above and beyond, taking time out of her day to ensure resident’s needs are met.

The Celebrating Excellence in Caregiving Award is designed to thank and honor Maine’s long-term care employees who spend their days and nights caring for others. To be considered, nominees must meet certain criteria, such as consistent quality of caregiving, attention to residents’ rights, leadership among peers and ability to inspire others through example. Nominations were submitted from across the state and winners were selected by an independent panel of judges with long-term care expertise.

MHCA President and CEO Richard Erb said, “Maine’s direct care and support staff provide compassionate quality care, and in many cases fill a family role for long-term care residents and consumers each and every day. This luncheon and awards program are a tribute to their dedication and our way of saying thank you.”