2024 BC Care Provider of the Year | Home Health Nominees (Part 1)

BC Care Providers Association is thrilled to have received many nominations for the BC Care Provider of the Year Award, with each category celebrating exceptional individuals who deliver the best care for our seniors across home health, assisted living and long-term care. Read about three nominees in the Home Health category below.

Winners will officially be announced in January 2024 and will be presented their awards at the BC Care Awards ceremony in Victoria, B.C. on March 4, 2025.

Lorraine Kitsos – Community Health Manager, Just Like Family Home Care Vancouver

Lorraine has been an invaluable team member at Just Like Family Home Care in Vancouver for over five years, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the well-being of clients and their families. Her influence and commitment go beyond the typical responsibilities of a Community Health.

Lorraine ensures an active partnership with clients’ families, allowing families to feel fully engaged and aligned in supporting their loved ones’ well-being. As a true champion of her clients, Lorraine consistently advocates for their well-being and ensures their voices are heard.

Lorraine even frequently checks in with caregivers to ensure they have the resources and guidance needed to provide exceptional care, and she continually evaluates services to meet—and often exceed—client expectations. Her focus on quality has cultivated a culture of compassion and attentiveness within our team, setting a standard that others are inspired to follow.

Lorraine has not only enhanced the lives of clients but has also built a sense of community and trust among their families and team members.

“Every step of this process was new and emotional for me, and every step of the way, Lorraine listened, supported, and made me feel at ease. She sent my parents to caregivers who were reliable, personable, and competent. I can’t express the relief I feel, knowing my parents are safe, and in good hands when I can’t be there. My only regret is that I didn’t call years ago. It would have saved me a lot of stress.” – Family member of clients

Brittany Ridgers – Health Care Worker, Classic LifeCare

With many years of experience in healthcare, specifically home support, Brittany will always take it upon herself to help educate new home support staff with specific tasks and shows initiative with her long-term clients by ensuring clients needs are met by everyone involved. She has strong leadership skills and is often used as an example of extraordinary work ethic. Although she has struggled with personal health issues in the past, she does not let it prevent her from being compassionate and providing the best care to her clients. Very observant, Brittany does not hesitate to advocate and follow through for all her clients.

“She is just excellent. Brittany is so kind and caring. I tell you, she has the best bedside manner, and she is always happy. She arrives on time and spends time getting to know me. Brittany stands out because she goes above and beyond to show she really cares.” – Client

“Brittany comes into my home on time and is very pleasant. She has an outstanding attitude and makes sure to complete all tasks in the care plan as well as going above and beyond by helping with things around the home on days I am struggling. Brittany is very personable. She has worked with me for many years, and I can count on her visits.” – Client

Cindy Heavener – Care Professional, Home Instead (Victoria)

Cindy Heavener’s journey into caregiving is a testament to her lifelong passion for helping others. Through her experiences in assisting many people, from family members to neighbours, her passion in helping others became grounded through her ability to connect with clients on a personal level, understanding their needs and the importance of companionship. She always makes sure that each client feels special and understood, equally in their emotional well-being as their physical health. Cindy is not just a caregiver but a compassionate listener and a reliable friend to her clients, ensuring they feel valued and respected. Her dedication, compassion, and professionalism define her role as a caregiver, making her an invaluable member of the caregiving community.

Through her unwavering commitment to quality care, Cindy has made a profound impact on the lives of those she serves.

“In her work with clients Bill and Barry N., Cindy’s efforts have been transformative for the family. Barry, who is on her dementia journey, experienced difficulties with cooking, which led to incidents where Bill, her husband, was accidentally given food poisoning. Recognizing the risks, Cindy immediately stepped in and took over all meal preparation for the couple. She didn’t just focus on providing meals; Cindy ensured that the food was nutritious, delicious, and easy for them to reheat without confusion. She thoughtfully left detailed instructions […] to help maintain their independence while ensuring safety. This level of care has provided immense peace of mind for Bill and Barry’s sons, who live out of town. Cindy regularly leaves photos of the meals she prepares in their family room, so their sons can stay connected with their parents’ daily life and feel reassured that they are in good hands. Cindy’s batch cooking not only solves the immediate issue of meal safety but also nurtures a sense of comfort and continuity in the couple’s lives.”

Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support: