Leading up to the 11th Annual BC Care Awards, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) proudly honours the contributions of all award nominees by profiling each one of them. Below are three BC Care Provider of the Year | Home Health award nominees.
Dawn Eden – Health Care Assistant, Nurse Next Door Homecare Services (Maple Ridge)
Working with Nurse Next Door for five years, Dawn is considered the “go-to” team member, making a huge difference in the life of each client she visits. Dawn has the biggest heart and makes a difference by being great at reporting health changes to the Care Designer and making suggestions for improvements to client care. She even finds very creative ways to get tasks done while always accommodating the client’s anxiety, stress and beliefs. She does this by using her skills to fully understand her clients needs, desires, behaviours and even their fears. Dawn always takes time to do extra for her clients, within their care plan, to ensure they thrive, or she may simply to help them feel happier in a very difficult situation.
Driven by her passion in learning more in her career and to deliver the best care possible for clients, she has notably completed twelve certificates over the past year and a half in areas such as end of life care to caring with and for clients.
“As we faced an urgent situation requiring immediate assistance, NND was available to help and alleviated the stress, for both my husband and I. The caregivers exhibited compassion, curiosity, and helpfulness, dedicating time to acquaint themselves with my mother-in-law. They had her out walking for the first time in 12 years!” – A daughter of a client
Dina Alvarado – Hero, Hero Home Care
Dina began her caregiving career at Sunrise Lynn Valley, spending over a decade building strong connections with residents and colleagues. After a brief hiatus, she returned to caregiving, joining Hero Home Care three years ago. Dina’s compassion and expertise have made her an invaluable team member, consistently going beyond basic care to create meaningful moments for her clients. A great example is her work with Joan, who initially resisted care but gradually trusted Dina’s empathetic approach, leading to a stronger connection and improved quality of life. Dina also supports families, offering comfort and reassurance during difficult times.
Her influence extends beyond caregiving, as she inspired her daughter, Bethany, to join Hero Home Care, continuing the legacy of compassionate service. Together, they bring warmth and continuity to the agency, enriching the lives of clients and their families. Dina’s impact on clients and their families is a testament to her commitment to quality, compassion, and excellence in caregiving.
“Dina isn’t just a caregiver; she’s part of our family. Our household includes a cat that needs extra care, and Dina didn’t hesitate—she took on both the caregiving and pet care, making our loved one feel completely supported. Her ability to bond with each member of our family, human and otherwise, shows her unique level of commitment.” – Family of client
“Dina even called me one day to learn a few words in Hindi to communicate better with one of her clients. This level of care and cultural respect is rare and inspiring.” – A colleague
Ednah Chimaroke Obinya – Caregiver, Home Instead Vancouver
Edna consistently goes above and beyond in delivering exceptional care to her clients. Her reliability, proactive attitude, and strong interpersonal skills allow her to build meaningful relationships, providing care that is both compassionate and effective. Edna takes the time to understand her clients’ needs and follows care plans with empathy, always delivering quality service. She is a joy to work with, bringing positivity to her role and making a lasting impact on those she serves.
A notable example of Edna’s dedication is her work with a client recovering from surgery. Initially depressed and lacking hope, Edna engaged him in uplifting conversations, helping him regain his appetite and outlook on life. Within four weeks, the client no longer required care, sending Edna a heartfelt thank-you note. Her cheerful, dependable nature has earned her numerous accolades and glowing testimonials from both clients and colleagues, proving her outstanding commitment to quality care.
“Ednah has always been a pleasure to work with; she is genuine, cheerful, and incredibly kind. She has been nominated as Caregiver of the Month numerous times and has received multiple Kudos from clients who truly value her dedication and compassion. We are grateful to have Ednah as part of our team!” – Her nominator
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
