FOR RELEASE MAY 20

From: The Jewish Seniors Agency Comprehensive Adult Day Center (CADC)

For further information contact: Roberta Sinapi, CADC Director

Anna Goncalves Named Home & Community Caregiver of the Year

Anna Goncalves, a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Jewish Seniors Agency’s Comprehensive Adult Day Center (CADC) has been selected by a panel of judges from the Department of Elderly Affairs and the Department of Human Services as the Home & Community Caregiver of the Year. She received the award in ceremonies held May 20 at the Rhode Island State House.

Goncalves was selected for her exceptional skills, caring, motivation, and respect for her clients. This is the second time that an employee from the CADC, located at 229 Waterman Street in Providence, has won the award. The CADC offers a wide range of recreational and social activities as well as medical monitoring to the frail elderly and people with dementia who are unable to be left alone during the day or who would benefit from the socialization and therapeutic activities offered at the Center.

Goncalves came to the CADC at a crucial time when the CADC was short several nursing assistants. According to Roberta Sinapi, the CADC Director who interviewed her, “Anna had a sweet, softness in her that was readily apparent. She was also bi-lingual which proved to be very helpful in communicating with the CADC’s multi-cultural population and their families to glean more information about their health, to assess the progression of dementia, and to better understand cultural differences.”

In nominating Goncales for the award, Sinapi cited Goncalves “particular gift in working with individuals with dementia.” She also brought her talents in cooking and sewing to the CADC’s activity program. She initiated a cooking program and classes in quilting, knitting and crocheting.

“Anna’s many gifts have touched us all here,” said Sinapi. “She has truly enhanced the staff and what we are able to offer our participants. Anna filled a huge void in our staffing and she is a true angel in disguise.”

For further information on Comprehensive Adult Day Center, call Roberta Sinapi, Director at 351-2440.