IHCA names 2014 You Make A Difference program honorees

The Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) has announced this year's honorees of the 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.

Barbara Botolotti has been honored for her dedication to the quality life of residents at ManorCare of Elgin.

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.

Bortolotti has a long history of volunteering her time to help others. Over the years she has assisted with a number of organizations, including her church and local hospitals and nursing homes. Since becoming a resident of ManorCare Health Services of Elgin six years ago, along with her husband, she has continued her volunteering, focusing on the facility and her fellow residents. Bartolotti is active in facility activities and a member of the resident council.

She has helped with facility service projects and encouraged those around her with her passion for helping others. Her commitment to giving something back is very important to her. "It makes you feel better," she explained, "like you are doing something."

"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.