Connected Health Ireland had a remarkable weekend at the HCCI Home Care Awards 2023, securing three out of the four awards we were nominated for. The awards ceremony took place on October 13th at the Alex Hotel.
Connected Health secured 3 awards – Scheduler of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Carer of the Year! It’s the 3rd year in a row we have had the best Carer across the island of Ireland!
These awards celebrate excellence in home care and recognise outstanding individuals in the industry. They also reflect the dedication and commitment of home care providers in Ireland. The recognition of multiple competitors in various categories underscores the quality of care and the level of service offered by different organisations in the home care industry.
HCCI Home Care Awards 2023 – Shortlisted Nominees:
Scheduler of the Year – Shortlisted Nominees:
Judge: Janette Dwyer, Assistant National Director Services for Older People, Change & Innovation, HSE.
Ruth Leamy, Bluebird Care, Clare
Louise Bell, Connected Health,Limavady, Derry
Maria Arkins, Home Instead, Rathfarnham
Manager of the Year – Shortlisted Nominees:
Judge: Katie Sloan, President and CEO, Leading Age & Executive Director, Global Aging Network.
Caiti Lynch, Bluebird Care, DSE and Wicklow
Caroline Maguire, Connected Health, Monaghan
Tanya Morrissey, Home Instead
HR of the Year – Shortlisted Nominees:
Judge: Valerie Cox, Broadcaster, journalist, author.
Paul Spiers, Connected Health,Belfast
Lisa Cassidy, Home Instead
Karen Hayes, Care at Home, Terenure
Nurse of the Year – Shortlisted Nominees:
Judge: Professor Mark White, Executive Dean, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery RCSI.
Jean Gilvarry, Home Instead
Mary Nihill, Bluebird Care Clare
Mariana Gordo, Heritage Homecare
Carer of the Year – Shortlisted Nominees:
Judge: Brendan Courtney, TV and Radio presenter, fashion designer, patient advocate.
Barbara Alves, Be Independent Home Care – Dublin
Karen Drew, Care at Home – Terenure
Deidre Marie and Diane, Connected Health, Derry
Connected Health Ireland’s Shortlisted Nominees:
Manager of the Year – Caroline Maguire (CHO1 Monaghan)
Caroline has consistently been praised by her colleagues for her exceptional dedication and willingness to go above and beyond. Her commitment to promoting high productivity within the office knows no bounds, as she continuously strives to ensure that all tasks are completed with utmost efficiency and effectiveness. Whether it’s conducting spot checks to maintain quality standards or willingly stepping in to cover client calls in need of immediate care, Caroline consistently demonstrates her unwavering determination and tireless work ethic.
What truly sets Caroline apart is her remarkable compassion and selflessness. Not only does she excel in her office responsibilities, but she also seamlessly transitions back into a frontline carer role whenever required. Her genuine concern for the well-being of others shines through as she consistently places the needs of the business and clients before her own. This selflessness not only sets a shining example for her colleagues but also inspires and motivates them to emulate her level of dedication and commitment.
Caroline is deserving of this award due to her remarkable display of selflessness and dedication in ensuring the well-being of every client under her care. One particularly touching example that exemplifies her exceptional commitment involves her client, Nancy, who had been encountering difficulties with the timely provision of morning and night calls from the HSE.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Caroline willingly went above and beyond the call of duty. Every single morning, she would rise early, undeterred by the distance, and make a 30-minute drive to Nancy’s residence to personally attend to her needs. Furthermore, Caroline displayed unwavering compassion by repeating this act of kindness each evening, ensuring that Nancy and her family would never be left without the essential care they required.
Caroline’s exceptional efforts extend far beyond this remarkable instance. Over the course of the past year, she has managed to double the number of hours of care provided in her designated area. Her unwavering dedication and proactive approach have undoubtedly made a significant impact on the lives of her clients and their families.
Carer of the Year – Deidre Banks and Diane McDonald (Derry)
These exceptional caregivers epitomize compassion, dedication, and professionalism. Through their unwavering commitment, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest level of care for their client, who faces the challenging journey of living with severe dementia.
Their efforts extend far beyond the routine tasks of caregiving. With profound empathy and understanding, they have created a nurturing and supportive environment tailored to meet the unique needs of the client. Their ability to navigate the complexities of dementia, exhibiting patience, and employing innovative strategies to engage and comfort the client, has been truly remarkable.
These caregivers have not only established a strong bond with the client but have also actively involved the client’s family, fostering open lines of communication and providing them with reassurance during this difficult time.
Carers Diane & Deidre from our Derry team had a new client who has severe dementia, he was agitated and didn’t want care. The girls found out that the client was passionate about Derry City Football club and reached out to the Manager of the club to explain the situation to him.
The football manager very kindly gifted the two ladies Derry football tops and they then wore the football tops on the next call with the client. This really calmed the client down and allowed him to feel comfortable. As a result, he was cooperative and really engaging with Diane and Deidre as he reminisced about Derry City and the old players. Our girls now wear the tops to all his calls, and he looks forward to their visits.
This is just an example of the level of consideration and attention these carers pay to their clients; it isn’t just a job for them. They care so much about their clients and now this client is comfortable in his own home and accepts the care that he is being given which reduces the level of stress that he is under.
Scheduler of the Year – Louise Bell (Limavady)
As an operational coordinator, Louise’s responsibilities extended far beyond the confines of a traditional job. She took charge of coordinating, planning, and organizing innovative packages of care, designed to cater to the unique needs of individuals requiring assistance. Her invaluable contributions not only facilitated the smooth transition of patients from hospitals to their homes but also ensured that they received the necessary support and resources to thrive in their newfound independence.
Louise’s dedication to her role went beyond the confines of her official duties. She immersed herself in the local community, forging connections and building relationships with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, social services, and support groups. Through these collaborations, she was able to foster a comprehensive network of care that truly had a transformative impact on the lives of countless individuals.
With her unfaltering commitment and empathetic nature, Louise became a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration within her community. Her presence served as a constant reminder that positive change was attainable, even in the face of adversity. Whether it was advocating for improved healthcare access, implementing innovative strategies, or simply offering a compassionate ear, Louise’s efforts were instrumental in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Louise contracted COVID-19 while working on the front line, leading to an 11-day hospital stay, with 9 days spent in intensive care. The virus had a profound impact on her life, affecting her work, physical health, and ability to continue as a carer. After 15 years in the field, Louise had no choice but to step away from her role. Following an 18-week rehabilitation period, she attempted to return to caring, but her physical health didn’t permit it.
Determined to continue helping others, Louise retrained and transitioned to the role of an operational coordinator. Although she couldn’t provide hands-on care, she found a way to make a difference behind the scenes. Despite the challenges, Louise’s resilience and adaptability drove her forward. Her unwavering commitment to helping others remained strong as she embraced her new role with enthusiasm and empathy. Despite facing adversity, Louise thrived in her pursuit of making a positive impact.
HR of the Year – Paul Spiers (Belfast)
Paul, a highly dedicated HR professional, goes above and beyond to provide comprehensive support to every candidate throughout the entire recruitment process. His commitment to excellence shines through as he meticulously guides candidates, ensuring a seamless and straightforward experience. His exceptional skills in candidate retention are evidenced by the fact that individuals he assists are not only satisfied but also enthusiastic enough to refer others to his services.
Recognizing the importance of reaching a wider audience, Paul proactively seeks out new outlets for advertising and explores innovative strategies to enhance brand awareness within the connected health industry. His keen understanding of the target audience and the CHO’s, allows him to tailor his efforts to resonate with their specific needs and preferences. By leveraging his expertise in marketing and communication, Paul effectively conveys the unique value proposition of Connected Health to his clients, elevating brand recognition and fostering trust.
Paul’s exceptional track record sets him apart as one of the top recruiters within the homecare sector. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, he consistently achieves and often surpasses his monthly targets. His exceptional performance stems from his ability to understand the nuances of the industry, identify top talent, and establish meaningful connections with candidates and clients alike.
In summary, Paul’s unwavering dedication to his candidates, his proactive approach to advertising and brand awareness, and his consistent achievement of targets all contribute to his reputation as an exceptional recruiter in the field of homecare.
Paul is an invaluable asset to the Client Care Managers, providing them with unwavering support in the pursuit of finding perfect candidates for their respective areas. With his exceptional skills and dedication, he plays a crucial role in ensuring that the right individuals are selected for the job. Paul’s commitment to excellence is evident in his relentless efforts to overcome any obstacle that comes his way.
Beyond his professional expertise, Paul extends his support on a personal level as well. He offers a comforting presence, always ready to lend a shoulder to lean on or an attentive ear to listen and understand. His genuine empathy and compassion make him a trusted confidant for both colleagues and candidates alike.
Paul’s determination knows no bounds. He fearlessly tackles challenges head-on, approaching each one with a positive mind-set and an unwavering belief in finding solutions. Whether it’s navigating complex hiring processes, overcoming logistical hurdles, or breaking through barriers, Paul demonstrates an exceptional ability to rise above any difficulty.
His relentless drive to succeed, combined with his remarkable problem-solving skills, makes Paul an indispensable team member. His unwavering commitment to excellence, not only inspires his colleagues but fosters an environment of trust and collaboration.
Final Words
These awards nominations highlight the exceptional talent and dedication within Connected Health Ireland. They represent an organisation that not only values excellence but also emphasises the importance of compassion and dedication in the provision of home care services.
Connected Health’s success in these categories highlights their commitment to providing exceptional care, while the competition amongst their peers including Bluebird Care, Home Instead, Care at Home, Heritage Care, and Be Independent Homecare, underscores the high standards and quality of services within the home care industry in Ireland.