CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, March 11, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When a devastating flood hit Cedar Rapids, IA, Tina Hartson and her family lost everything – the family home, her husband's job and the money to replace the home and belongings her husband, children, father-in-law and pets all shared. Despite her personal turmoil, Ms. Hartson never missed a day of work or complained. Instead, she provided the consolation and strength needed by her clients, who had also lost their homes either permanently or temporarily in the flood.
This example of her commitment to, and compassion for, the individuals she serves is just one of the reasons Ms. Hartson was chosen to receive the National Private Duty Association (NPDA) 2011 Caregiver of the Year Award. The NPDA is a national providers' association of home care agencies that offer home services to the aging and those with disabilities.
Ms. Hartson cares for adults and children who want to stay in their homes when a disability, disease or the natural process of aging affects their ability to live independently. She is employed by ResCare HomeCare, one of the nation's leading providers of support services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Ms. Hartson was honored during the National Private Duty Association's Ninth Annual Leadership Conference in Las Vegas. The award is given to recognize a caregiver who demonstrates extraordinary commitment to the delivery of care to clients and their families.
ResCare HomeCare Executive Director Jennie Fisher, who nominated Ms. Hartson for the prestigious award, says her "dedication to her clients shines through, no matter what personal sacrifice must be made."
"Tina has a quiet, calming personality and always amazes me with her skill for directing clients and for diffusing potentially troubling situations, especially with individuals who suffer from intellectual challenges," Ms. Fisher said.
For Tina Hartson the answer is simple.
"You need to go into their world for an understanding of their fears and emotional needs," Ms. Hartson said. "That's how you can truly help improve the quality of their life."
Ms. Hartson has been committed to caregiving and continued education in the caregiving field for 34 years. She has been a home health aide with ResCare HomeCare for 10 years.
"ResCare is extremely proud of Tina Hartson," Ralph G. Gronefeld, Jr., ResCare president and chief executive officer, said. "Ms. Hartson's dedication and caring earned her the well-deserved commendation from the National Private Duty Association. She is truly dedicated to our mission of providing each individual we serve with an opportunity to reach his or her greatest level of independence."
ResCare, with more than 35 years of experience helping people reach their highest level of independence, is one of the largest providers of home care to the elderly and those with disabilities. It also offers residential and support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and provides education, vocational training and job placement for people of all ages and skill levels. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, ResCare and its nearly 50,000 dedicated employees serve daily more than 65,000 people in 43 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Canada and the UK. For more information about ResCare, please visit the Company's website at www.ResCare.com.
CONTACT: Nel Taylor Chief Communication Officer 502.394.2100