Family & Nursing Care is proud to announce that Joanna Jean-Francois has been named the 2025 Caregiver of the Year by the Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association (MNCHA). This prestigious award honors caregivers who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional care.

A dedicated caregiver with Family & Nursing Care Select since 2008, Joanna has earned admiration and respect from clients, colleagues, and Care Coordinators alike. Known for her compassionate nature and unwavering dependability, Joanna has been a powerful force in the lives of those she serves.

“Joanna is the kind of caregiver who truly makes a difference in people’s lives,” said Jeff Briggs, Director of Select Care Coordinating for Family & Nursing Care. “Her kindness, attentiveness, and calm presence provide reassurance to clients and families. She has an incredible ability to read the room and meet each moment with empathy and professionalism.”

 

Joanna’s journey as a caregiver began at just 15 years old when she helped care for her grandmother until she passed away at the age of 99. That experience ignited a passion for caregiving that has spanned more than 30 years. “I was raised by my grandmother, and caring for her is what pushed me into this profession,” Joanna shared. “You have to love what you do, and I love this job. I’m convinced there is more satisfaction in giving than receiving.”

Clients frequently praise Joanna’s calm presence and attentiveness. One former client admired her ability to anticipate needs, noting how Joanna gave privacy when it was needed and stepped in at the perfect moment. Joanna would accompany the client to physical therapy, memorize the exercises, and help her practice between sessions. That support was instrumental in the client’s recovery — a sentiment echoed by the client’s physical therapist.

For Joanna, caregiving is more than a job; it’s a calling. “It touches me when a client says, ‘You’re not a caregiver — you’re a member of the family,’” she said, recalling a client who made that heartfelt statement just weeks before passing. “That stayed with me.”

When asked what inspires her to be such an outstanding caregiver, Joanna spoke of her childhood. After losing her mother at age eight, she stepped into a leadership role among her siblings, helping her grandmother raise the family. “I’ve always been the one to take on big tasks. My grandmother saw that in me and said I was always leading and helping.”

Joanna’s commitment to caregiving is matched by her loyalty to Family & Nursing Care. “In the 17 years I’ve worked with the company, they’ve been incredible years,” she said. “Everyone I speak with is very nice and welcoming. I always tell people it’s a good company to work for.”

Her humility was on full display at the MNCHA awards ceremony on May 6, where her daughter flew in from San Antonio to celebrate with her. “It was a wonderful event,” Joanna said. “Seeing people I haven’t seen in a while or I’ve only spoken with on the phone — it meant a lot. My family and friends told me how proud they are of me.”

Joanna offers this advice to fellow caregivers: “Do your best and treat clients with respect. You’re there to help them because they cannot do it for themselves.”

At Family & Nursing Care, we are honored to work alongside professionals like Joanna who give so much of themselves to others. Please join us in congratulating Joanna on this well-deserved recognition!