Seattle Man Named 2012 Caregiver of the Year by National Private Duty Association

SEATTLE, Wash. – Seattle resident Lito Gimenez has been selected as the 2012 Caregiver of the Year by the National Private Duty Association. He is a home care caregiver for Family Resource Home Care in Seattle.

Gimenez was chosen from the wide pool of nominations for the award based on his contribution, work ethic and compassion. He has years of experience providing care to a wide range of handicapped and elderly adults. Gimenez is the second recipient of this honor.

Sheila McKannay, MA, CMC, Vice President of Client Care for Family Resource Home Care, nominated Gimenez because of his commitment to clients and their families, as well as his own personal work ethic.

“His commitment to each of his clients and their families is demonstrated not only by the professional and exceptional care he provides for them but also his dedication to their needs,” said McKannay. “Lito has provided experienced care for clients with respect, a sense of humor and positive attitude, and a willingness to go the extra mile. He provides quality care.”

Gimenez came to the United States from Guam, and began caring for his own aunt. In addition to his current caregiver job at Family Resource Home Care, he works full-time at the local airport as a transporter, which is another highly physical job caring for others. He has three children he cares for, as well. “He is such a caring and selfless person,” said McKannay. “He is a hidden treasure.”

The Caregiver of the Year Award program was developed by the NPDA to acknowledge and honor the dedication and compassion excellent caregivers provide and their ability to improve the quality of life for clients and their families.

“Caregivers like Lito represent the dedication of agency employees working in the private duty home care industry,” said Sheila McMackin, president of the NPDA. “He represents the most vital part of any home care agency.”

The NPDA Caregiver of the Year Award was presented on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, during the Business Meeting and Luncheon at the 10th Annual Leadership Conference being held in Orlando Sept. 12-14.

The NPDA is the first and only association in the country dedicated exclusively to private pay home care providers. The NPDA, a non-profit organization, currently represents more than 1,300 home care agencies in forty-four states and Puerto Rico.