News - April 22, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2020

CONTACT: Martie Serna | 202-518-6493 | Martha.Serna@finnpartners.com

Goodwin House Employee Among Top Three Caregivers in National Capital Region

The Ceca Foundation Honors Ayan Sharif of Goodwin House Alexandria

Alexandria, VA: A Goodwin House Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) earned top honors with The Ceca Foundation’s 2019 Awards this Spring. The Ceca Foundation awarded Ayan Sharif, CNA at Goodwin House Alexandria, with the 2019 Annual Caregiver Award in March, 2020. Ayan is one of three recipients of this award across the National Capital Region.

“Ayan was recognized for her special relationships with residents and her focus on their happiness and wellbeing,” according to the Ceca Foundation in its announcement of the Award winners. “She engages with residents in a way that helps them maintain as much independence as possible and allows them to have a voice in their own treatment and decision-making. She is particularly known for her exceptional ability to interact with dementia patients.”

The Ceca Foundation is a nonprofit organization that partners with more than 50 healthcare communities throughout the D.C. Metro Area to recognize their outstanding staff. Ceca Award candidates are nominated by their peers, patients, residents and families for their exemplary caregiver values and exceptional acts of care. Honorees are selected monthly or quarterly by a local selection panel. Of the 2000 caregivers nominated last year, 150 were selected for the Ceca Award in their facilities. From this elite group, three honorees were selected for the Annual Caregiver Award.

“Ayan exemplifies what it is to be a great Care Partner through good listening and empathizing with her residents,” said Cathy Farmer, Director of Clinical Services at Goodwin House Alexandria. “She is patient and works with a resident’s way of doing things. She has developed close relationships with the residents she cares for and helps them plan how to accomplish their goals. We are thrilled for her to receive this honor.”

“Ayan exhibits the core values of Ceca: Empathy, Humor, Integrity, Professionalism, and Teamwork,” said Josh Bagley, Administrator of the Health Care Center at Goodwin House Alexandria. “Every day Ayan shows proof that she serves the residents with head and heart in equal measure. She is conscientious about ensuring that residents are able to make their own decisions regarding their care.”

In addition to a trophy, the Annual Caregiver Award recipient is presented with a gift of $2500. For Ayan, the award money will be an investment in her studies for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.

“Nursing is not an easy field, but it is rewarding to see your patients – the residents – grow and heal,” said Ayan. “I’m happy that I now have an educational direction and know what I would like to be. After working as a nurse for a while, I would like to go back to school to receive my Masters in Nursing as Nurse Practitioner and eventually work in Emergency Room nursing or Pediatric nursing.”

Goodwin House has long understood the important role health care workers play in the care of older adults. In its partnership with the Ceca Foundation, Goodwin House values the opportunity to nurture talented professionals like Ayan. Goodwin House is proud to honor Ayan and her work with residents at Goodwin House Alexandria. Her dedication, generosity, and selflessness are inspirational for all who work with her.

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About GHI

Celebrating 52 years of providing exceptional service to older adults, Goodwin House Incorporated (GHI) is a not-for-profit, Virginia-based corporation affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Today, the strength of GHI begins with its clear statements of mission, vision and values, the stability and integrity of its boards and executive leadership and its reputation as a trusted partner and innovator in reimagining aging.

The growing family of GHI senior living communities and services owned and operated across Northern Virginia includes: two Life Plan Communities—Goodwin House Alexandria in Alexandria’s West End and Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads in Falls Church, Fairfax County; an innovative continuing care at home program—Goodwin House at Home; and a portfolio of healthcare services and partnerships delivering Palliative Care, Home Health, Rehabilitation and Wellness, Primary Care and Hospice. GHI also is the management agent for The Lewinsville Retirement Residences, Inc. serving low-income older adults in McLean and Great Falls, Virginia. GHI advances its mission through the Goodwin House Foundation, a 501(c)(3) supporting foundation that provides financial support to current and future residents in need and to fund programs dedicated to promoting well-being and vibrant living as we age.