Long Grove health care worker receives Hero of the Month Award from Health Care Council of Illinois

Illinois State Senator Dan McConchie, State Representative Nabeela Syed, and Executive Board members of the Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI) gathered to celebrate Alden Long Grove Health Care and Rehabilitation staff member Carlos Zarate for receiving the Long-Term Care Hero of the Month award for his exemplary work and commitment to providing exceptional care to his residents.

Zarate is the facility's Housekeeping director, but is also a CNA. Although he is the Housekeeping director, he never hesitates to pick up shifts as a CNA when needed.

"I nominated Carlos not only because he's a hard worker and a team player, but he has a passion for his job which positively impacts the lives of the residents we have," said Yvette Saldana, Alden Long Grove administrator. "All the residents and employees love him, and he's always happy and willing to lend a helping hand no matter what the task is."

The Long-Term Care Hero of the Month award is HCCI's newest initiative to showcase positivity within the long-term care industry. It highlights healthcare workers in skilled nursing facilities who demonstrate commitment to providing compassionate care, possess leadership qualities, and positively impact their facilities.

Zarate has been with Alden Long Grove for more than ten years. The facility offers short-term therapy and rehabilitation, long-term care, and services for those with memory care needs. The rehabilitation and health care center differentiates itself with a location surrounded by greenery, outdoor walking paths, a gazebo, a classic homelike environment, and amenities like a beauty and barber salon.

HCCI is a nonprofit organization representing over 300 licensed skilled nursing facilities in Illinois.

Each month HCCI board members will select candidates nominated by long-term care facilities, and the winners are chosen strictly based on the information provided. The facility name is removed during voting, making Zarate's win even more impressive.

For more than 50 years, Alden Network has provided health care and residential solutions for seniors and has helped them function to the best of their ability and live life as independently as possible. To learn more about Alden Long Grove please call (847) 438-8275 or visit www.aldenlonggrove.com.