Caregivers, Public Health Leaders and Technology Innovators To Receive Home Care and Hospice Excellence Awards

Media invited to awards ceremony on May 8 in Saratoga Springs, NY

The Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) is presenting awards this week to five exceptional individuals and programs, recognizing their excellence in the home care and hospice fields across New York State.

“It is our distinct privilege to recognize the extraordinary nurses and home health aides who make their patients’ lives better; the inspiring leaders who make their staff feel valued and want to do more; and the brilliant innovators whose ideas can transform home care services in their areas,” said Al Cardillo, president and CEO of HCA. “They represent the very best of this profession and service, and richly deserve these prestigious honors.”

This year’s recipients are:

Ruth F. Wilson Award: HCA’s highest honor is given to a dedicated individual, who has significantly contributed to home care over their career.

Susan Caputo of New York City is the former senior vice president of business development at VNS Health. Throughout her four decades in health care, including her leadership within HCA and her unremitting state and national home care advocacy, Susan has been committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers, notably marginalized and underserved populations, have access to compassionate and equitable health care. Under her leadership at VNS, she increased hospice admissions by more than 20%; oversaw VNS’ expansion into Nassau County, and brought cardiac hospice, behavioral health, LGBTQ+ health and veterans’ health to the New York City home care market.

Caring Awards: The awards recognize those who have exhibited exemplary compassion, skills and service and/or whose actions exemplify caring in the home care setting.

Chymene Noel is a registered nurse with St. Mary’s Health Care in New York City. She was recognized her unparalleled responsiveness to her patients ensuring the best quality of care at home, as well as being the ultimate team player with her colleagues.

Bibi Ageday, a home health aide with Self Help Community Services in New York City, was honored for continually demonstrating care and compassion above and beyond her job description. Her nominator wrote, “It is Bibi’s true calling to care for others and share her positive outlook with vulnerable, frail older adults.” Bibi works closely with a recently widowed Holocaust survivor, who has benefited from Bibi’s encouragement and exceptional care.

Home Care Champion Award: The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a strong and model commitment to home care patients and agency partners.

Hongwei Zhang of Albany is the senior vice president of operations at Consumer Directed Choices. Her expertise in business intelligence, marketing and human resources has had a transformative impact on her agency and home care at large. Her leadership has resulted in greatly increased access for care by 40% at CDChoices and expanded its geographical service area from upstate NY across the entire state. More patients have been able to find home care and a caregiver of their choice, due to her efforts.

Trailblazer Award for Quality and Innovation: The award recognizes a home care or hospice provider agency, Managed Long Term Care plan or team that has implemented an innovative clinical model, workforce supports, patient or staff education program, or other initiative with improved outcomes in terms of client satisfaction, population health improvement, and/or cost reduction or avoidance.

Jennifer Newberry of Elizabethtown is the director of patient services at Essex County Home Care, one of the geographically largest counties in New York with a substantial aging population.

Jennifer has been the driving force behind its successful telehealth program to monitor patients’ vital signs remotely. Because of this, there has been a marked decrease in hospital readmissions and improved care within her agency. Due to its success, the telehealth program is now expanding to emergency medical services to reduce ER visits and hospitalizations, alleviating the burden on paramedics. Jennifer is also a constant “go-to” by HCA for her field-level perspectives and input.

Media are invited to hear from awardees and learn about their extraordinary work during our awards ceremony. If wishing to attend, please contact HCA’s Communications Director Brandon Vogel in advance. Award photos are available upon request.

HCA Annual Awards Ceremony
May 8, 2024
12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Saratoga Hilton
534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866