On May 14, 2024, during the Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association (MNCHA) Annual Conference held at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, Family & Nursing Care’s Gwendolyn Morris-Smith was honored with the prestigious Caregiver of the Year Award. Celebrating caregivers who consistently exceed expectations, Gwendolyn received this award for her dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to meeting her client’s needs.
The ceremony, attended by her daughter, daughter-in-law, and sister, was an overwhelmingly positive experience for Gwendolyn. “It was a feeling I’ve never felt before. It was truly amazing,” she said when reflecting on the emotional impact of the event. Gwendolyn shared her profound gratitude for receiving the award, “The award means a lot to me. Knowing I’m appreciated and recognized brings me great joy and shows I’m making a difference.”
Gwendolyn’s journey into the caregiving profession began with an interest in assisting vulnerable people. “I’ve always had a passion for helping others, and becoming a caregiver allowed me to make a positive impact in people’s lives,” she said. Her clients frequently praise her dedication, which fills her with a deep sense of accomplishment. “It makes me feel fulfilled just knowing I can help do things for them that they no longer may be able to do themselves.”
Gwendolyn’s career with Family & Nursing Care Select began in 2009 when she sought employment with a reputable com
pany upon receiving her permanent resident status in the U.S. “The reputation of the company and the positive feedback I heard from other employees drew me to Family & Nursing Care,” she recalled. Her tenure with the company has been marked by numerous cherished memories, including helping a client experience the joy of dancing for the first time in her life.
Having worked in the industry for over 20 years, Gwendolyn attributes her success to essential qualities, such as compassion, empathy, patience, respect, reliability, and presence. The most rewarding part of her career, Gwendolyn shared, is making a difference in people’s lives. “That’s why I do what I do,” she stated. Her advice to fellow Caregivers is to treat clients with the same respect and care they would want for their own loved ones.
Since starting her career in 2003, Gwendolyn has consistently demonstrated kindness, patience, and a gentle demeanor. Her ability to connect with clients, even those whose families are far away, and her attentiveness to their needs have made her an indispensable part of their lives.
One standout instance of her expertise involved identifying an emergency situation early on that led to life-saving treatment for a client. Her proactive approach, arriving on time and ready for every shift, and her dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic, have all earned her high praise. A client’s family member said of her, “Gwendolyn has been an amazing help during this time, and I can’t thank her enough for everything she has done for both of my parents and especially my mother right now. COVID-19 has made this whole process challenging, and knowing Gwendolyn is there with my mom gives us all great comfort.”
Allison Bates, Director of Care Coordinating for Family & Nursing Care Select, summed up Gwendolyn’s impact by stating, “From day one, Gwendolyn has been dedicated, nurturing, kind, positive, and loving with every client. She is a one-of-a-kind Caregiver who consistently goes above and beyond what is expected. She always makes the best decisions for her clients and truly treats them as if they were her own family.”
Please join us in congratulating Gwendolyn on this incredibly well-deserved honor!
800-588-0517
