Four certified nursing assistants were recipients of the LeadingAge Caring Hands Award – the first year that this recognition was made. The four women serve at three skilled nursing communities that are associated with Hartford HealthCare Senior Services.
Honorees were Brittany Cullinan of Southington Care Center; Madeline Cintron and Martina Haynes-Esnard of Jerome Home in New Britain; and Halina Brzoska Jefferson House in Newington. Awards were presented at a LeadingAge Connecticut event April 4 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.
LeadingAge Connecticut introduced the award as a recognition of how nursing aides enhance the quality of life for older adults, focusing on compassion, commitment and excellence in caregiving. LeadingAge Connecticut is a member of LeadingAge, a national association of 6,000 not-for-profit organizations dedicated to advancing policies, promoting practices and conducting research to support and empower people to live more fully as they age.
Cullinan was described as a person who shows her genuine compassion for her residents every day, taking the time to learn about their needs and wants and daily routine – exemplifying resident-centered care at Southington Care Center, which offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. She is attending nursing school to advance her career.
Cintron, a 17-year employee, is a restorative CNA and resident care assistant at Jerome Home in New Britain, which offers skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, residential care, memory care and assisted living. “She is patient, understanding and committed to maintaining a high degree of residents’ freedom and functioning for quality of life,” her nomination form read in part.
Haynes-Esnard, a 14-year employee, is a medication certified resident care assistant on the resident care housing community and a CNA in the skilled nursing care community. She is described as “genuine, tactful and considerate to residents needs . . . and is loved dearly.”
Brzoska is frequently noted on post-discharge surveys and is the most recognized CNA at Jefferson House in Newington. Patients ask for her by name, even years after she initially cared for them. In addition she is “a leader, extremely professional . . . and a go-to trainer for new staff” at Jefferson House, a department of Hartford Hospital, which offers short-term/outpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing and palliative care.
“What a beautiful and compassionate group of women representing our nursing home communities,” said Lisa Connolly, vice president of Hartford HealthCare Community Network. “They are strong, confident leaders who ensure that our residents get everything they need and deserve. Our communities are truly blessed.”
Hartford HealthCare Senior Services is a not-for-profit Hartford HealthCare Partner. For more information, click here.