Serving Seniors 2020 award winners (L to R): Dr. Daphne Schneider, Nakaike Okpara, Caitlyn Dickinson, Rosa Deleon and Betty Mitchell.

By Nathan Lamb

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) recently recognized five essential workers for their compassion and excellence at Serving Seniors 2020.

The annual event was held virtually, with most of the award presentations filmed beforehand. Speaking to staff at the live portion of the program on Nov. 12, SCES Executive Director Paul Hollings said the changes were necessary to recognize those who are doing essential work.

“We thought it more important than ever this year to recognize those who are on the front lines of our mission, which is to promote the right of all individuals to live with dignity in the setting of their choice,” said Hollings. “We are proud to recognize these committed individuals, who do so much to make our communities safer and healthier for older adults.”

The following awards were given at Serving Seniors 2020:

The Compassionate Care Provider Award went to Nakaike Okpara, a Home Care aide with Anodyne, who has worked with people in their homes throughout the pandemic.

In nominating Okpara for the award, SCES Bilingual Case Manager Ania Smietanko said he gave generously of his time for a 95-year-old client who needed additional help following a hospital stay shortly after the pandemic began.

“He would go every day, and the compensation for this half-an-hour extra service was not significant,” said Smietanko. “He did it because nobody else could.”

The Outstanding Caregiver Award went to Rosa Deleon, who is caring for her mother, who has dementia.

In presenting the award, Adult Family Care Social Worker Nathaniel Meyer said he wanted to recognize the hard work and compassion Rosa has shown in caring for her mother over the past five years.

“She has shown how an approach of patience and compassion instills in her mother a sense of safety and being understood,” said Meyer. “We all hope to age gracefully and with full and meaningful lives. Thanks to Rosa, her mother is living this life.”

The Tingle Volunteerism Award went to Caitlyn Dickinson, for her work with the Money Management program. 

In presenting the award, SCES Director of Volunteers & Special Projects Colleen Morrissey described Dickinson as an amazing volunteer, who has been particularly helpful for one Money Management client.

“The work that you’ve done with him is unbelievable,” said Morrissey. “The situation he’s being going through with COVID has been really difficult and you have been there every step of the way.”

The Kahn Collaboration Award went to Dr. Daphne Schneider, for her work with the Cambridge Health Alliance House Calls program.

In presenting the award, SCES Mental Health Social Worker Cassie Cramer said Dr. Schneider excels at providing essential in-home care for people with barriers to attending outpatient appointments.

“The individuals served by you are among the highest risk for premature nursing home admission, emergency room use and hospitalization, and developing devastating but preventable health complications,” said Cramer. “You always seem to be working—fitting people in after hours and advocating on patient’s behalf and basically doing whatever it takes to meet the needs of those lucky enough to work with you.”

The Spirit of SCES Award went to longtime SCES Office Manager Betty Mitchell, who recently retired after 30 years with the agency.

The award was presented by SCES Assistant Director Annie Fowler, Quality Improvement Director Rachel Berry, HR Director Ellyn Torres, and Benefits Specialist Barbara D’Ermo—all of whom nominated Mitchell for the award.

“We nominate Betty Mitchell for the Spirit of SCES award because she embodies the best of our agency, exemplifying so many of our values before the values were even put on to paper in 2019,” said Fowler.

To see the award presentation videos, search for Serving Seniors 2020 at eldercare.org.