IHCA names 2014 You Make A Difference honorees

Springfield, IL - The Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) has announced this year's honorees of their You Make A Difference program. The program, held earlier this year, recognizes staff members, volunteers and residents of long term care centers around the state for their positive contributions to facility life. Joseph K. Joseph has been honored for her dedication to the quality care of residents at Golfview Developmental Center in Des Plaines.

Every day in long term care centers around Illinois, providers strive to create a safe, caring, comfortable environment where seniors, as well as individuals with developmental disabilities, can get the specialized care they need and the compassion they deserve. In each of these centers there are staff members, volunteers and residents who want to create the best possible environment and give of themselves to make sure it happens.

Joseph K. Joseph has been a key member of the team at Golfview Developmental Center, an ICF/DD facility, for nearly eight years. He began at the facility as a Direct Support Person (DSP) where he discovered a true passion for the work and later moved on to become an LPN. Over the years Joseph has displayed real compassion and loyalty to the residents he serves. His caring nature and endless patience have allowed him to help alter the behavior of some of most difficult patients and to help shy residents to become more outgoing. By working steadily and persistently with his residents, Joseph has seen some fantastic outcomes. "Joseph is a very dedicated, committed and loyal member of the Golfview Developmental Center team," said Theodise Harris, assistant administrator and director of nursing for the facility.

"The individuals recognized by this new program truly make a difference within our long term care centers," stated David Voepel, executive director of the Illinois Health Care Association. "They continuously go above and beyond to make sure residents have the best possible quality of life. We are happy to celebrate their achievements and to recognize them for all that they do."

For more information visit the You Make A Difference program website: www.ihcadifferencemakers.com.

The Illinois Health Care Association is a non-profit organization comprised of approximately 400 licensed and certified long term care facilities and programs throughout the state. Its members are comprised of proprietary and non-proprietary facilities which represent skilled, intermediate, developmentally disabled, skilled pediatric, assisted living and sheltered levels of care. IHCA seeks to promote the highest standard of services in facilities and programs for the elderly and physically and mentally challenged.