Going Above and Beyond: Celebrating Our 2023 Caregiver of the Year

At ComForCare, we believe caregiving is more than just a job—it's a calling. This commitment to compassionate care is beautifully exemplified by our in-home caregivers, who go above and beyond to ensure their clients live fulfilling lives. This year, we are proud to honor one such remarkable caregiver, Sandy Gannon, as the 2023 Caregiver of the Year.

Sandy Gannon hails from ComForCare of Cuyahoga County in Ohio, led by Heather and Johnny Vermillion. Of Sandy, Heather says, “I’m honored to have her on our team to help us grow and share her knowledge, experience, love, and passion for this industry.” Let’s see how Sandy has transformed the lives of older adults in her community through dedicated service and genuine care.

What Does a Caregiver Do?

Caregiving is about much more than assisting with daily tasks—it’s about enhancing the quality of life for those in need. In-home caregivers like Sandy are dedicated to understanding their clients on a personal level. They learn about their hobbies, likes, dislikes, and even get to know their families. Sandy's approach to caregiving is holistic—she not only meets the physical needs of her clients but also brings joy and creativity into their lives.

A Day in the Life of a Dedicated Caregiver

Sandy’s day is filled with thoughtful, personalized care. She drives around with a trunk full of tools to make her clients’ days brighter—a waffle iron, egg cooker, games, and crafts. Whether she’s rearranging a living space to make it safer and more comfortable or planning activities like building birdhouses, painting, or baking cookies, Sandy ensures every day is special for her clients.

During the early stages of the pandemic, Sandy found a way to bring laughter into her clients' lives with Halloween-themed face masks. It’s this kind of creativity and dedication that makes her stand out. 

Finding Creative Ways to Overcome Communication Barriers

Even when faced with challenging situations, such as caring for clients with dementia, Sandy uses her expertise and tools to connect with them on a deeper level, even achieving breakthroughs in communication.

She makes the most of her time within all levels of care—even clients who have lost their ability to speak. Sandy is able to utilize the 12 tools of dementia covered in her DementiaWise® training to their fullest. At one point, she even reported to Heather that she was able to conduct a full conversation with a dementia client who barely spoke. 

Supporting Fellow Caregivers

Sandy's impact extends beyond her clients. She has become a mentor to other caregivers, helping them navigate challenges and grow in their roles. She meets with new caregivers on their first shift, assists with problem-solving, and supports the office in organizing events and implementing new strategies.

Why We Celebrate Caregivers

Caregiving is a challenging but deeply rewarding profession. Our in-home caregivers like Sandy play a crucial role in helping clients live their best lives in the comfort of their homes. They not only provide essential care but also bring warmth, joy, and dignity to every interaction.

At ComForCare, we are honored to have caregivers like Sandy on our team. Her passion, dedication, and love for her clients inspire us all. As Sandy herself says, “I’m where I belong.”

Congratulations, Sandy Gannon, on being named the 2023 Caregiver of the Year. Thank you for your continued service and for making a difference in the lives of so many.

Join Our Caregiving Team

If you’re passionate about helping others and are looking for a rewarding career, consider joining our team of in-home caregivers. At ComForCare, you can make a real difference in the lives of those you care for while building meaningful relationships. Find an open caregiving position near you today!

Find Your Sandy with ComForCare’s Dedicated In-Home Caregiving Services

With over 200 locations throughout North America, ComForCare is here to match you with your perfect caregiver. We take the time to seek out and support dedicated caregivers like Sandy, ensuring each family we connect with gets the compassionate care they deserve. Find your nearest ComForCare location to get started, and see the difference that dedicated, in-home care can make in your loved one’s life!