The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) is excited to announce our first annual Post-Acute Partners in Care Conference Award Celebration.
This year’s conference titled, Embrace the Seasons of Change scheduled for April 8-9, 2025, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center will celebrate 4 individuals and 1 facility. Award recipients will be recognized and celebrated during the conference.
SDAHO recognizes the many post-acute care professionals that go above and beyond every day to demonstrate excellence in the work place, foster a culture of safety and support within the facilities they work, and put their residents and those they serve first.
SDAHO is asking that our members nominate those individual(s) and/or facility they feel deserve to be recognized. Members of the SDAHO Post-Acute Council will select each award recipient from the list of nominees in each category.
The deadline to submit nominations is February 1, 2025.
Click here for the Post-Acute Partners in Care Award Nomination Form
Below is an outline of the award categories and the specified criteria. The award recipient should exemplify excellence across the specified criteria; however, it is not necessary for nominees to stand-out in each criteria. Those submitting nominations are encouraged to focus on the overall impact and contributions of the nominee that best demonstrate their outstanding achievements and quality.
Award Categories and Criteria
Clinical Excellence Award (Licensed Caregivers)
- Clinical Expertise: Demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in their specialty, including staying updated with the latest evidence-based practices.
- Patient-Centered Care: Commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care that prioritizes patient needs, preferences, and values.
- Innovation: Introduction of new techniques, processes, or technologies that improve patient outcomes or enhance the quality of care.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to improve care coordination and patient safety.
- Leadership: Ability to mentor and inspire colleagues, lead initiatives, or contribute to the development of best practices within the organization.
- Quality Improvement: Participation in quality improvement projects that demonstrate measurable improvements in clinical outcomes or patient satisfaction.
- Community Engagement: Involvement in community outreach or education efforts that promote health awareness and disease prevention.
- Professional Development: Commitment to lifelong learning through continuing education, certifications, and participation in professional organizations.
- Ethical Practice: Adherence to ethical standards in clinical practice, ensuring integrity and accountability in patient care.
- Advocacy: Actively advocate for patients’ rights and access to care, as well as contributions to health policy or reform.
Frontline Caregiver of the Year (non-licensed caregivers, C.N.A, Home health aide, housekeeper, activity assistant, dietician, etc.)
- Compassionate Care: Demonstrates empathy and compassion in patient interactions, fostering a supportive and healing environment.
- Clinical Competence: Shows proficiency in essential caregiving skills and knowledge of best practices relevant to their role.
- Patient Advocacy: Actively advocates for patients’ needs, preferences, and rights, ensuring their voices are heard in care decisions.
- Communication Skills: Exhibits strong communication skills, effectively conveying information to patients, families, and team members.
- Team Collaboration: Works well with other healthcare professionals, contributing positively to team dynamics and care coordination.
- Adaptability: Maintains composure and flexibility in a fast-paced environment, effectively managing changing circumstances and challenges.
- Continuous Improvement: Engages in ongoing professional development and seeks ways to enhance caregiving practices for better patient outcomes.
- Cultural Competence: Shows understanding and respect for diverse backgrounds, providing culturally sensitive care to all patients.
- Mentorship and Support: Supports and mentor’s colleagues, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging team growth.
- Community Involvement: Participates in community outreach or education initiatives, promoting health awareness and wellness in the community.
Leadership Excellence Award (Supervisory role staff)
- Vision and Strategy: Demonstrates a clear vision for the organization and develops effective strategies to achieve goals and drive positive change.
- Inspiration and Motivation: Inspires and motivates team members, fostering a culture of engagement, collaboration, and enthusiasm.
- Effective Communication: Communicates clearly and transparently, ensuring that all team members understand organizational goals and expectations.
- Decision-Making: Exhibits strong decision-making skills, balancing data-driven insights with intuition and experience to make informed choices.
- Mentorship and Development: Actively supports the growth and development of team members through coaching, mentorship, and opportunities for professional advancement.
- Innovation: Encourages creativity and innovation within the team, promoting new ideas and solutions that enhance performance and outcomes.
- Conflict Resolution: Manages conflicts effectively, promoting a harmonious work environment and addressing issues in a constructive manner.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Promotes diversity and inclusivity within the team, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
- Results Orientation: Achieves measurable results through effective leadership, demonstrating a track record of meeting or exceeding objectives.
- Community Engagement: Represents the organization positively in the community and participates in initiatives that enhance its reputation and impact.
Outstanding Facility of the Year (skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, home health agency or hospice agency. Selected facility will receive $1000 Award.
- Quality of Care: Demonstrates exceptional standards in patient care, evidenced by positive health outcomes, satisfaction surveys, and adherence to best practices.
- Compassionate Service: Provides compassionate and respectful care, ensuring that residents or patients feel valued and supported in their daily lives.
- Staff Training and Development: Commits to ongoing staff education and training, fostering a skilled and knowledgeable team dedicated to high-quality care.
- Patient-Centered Approach: Prioritizes the needs and preferences of residents or patients, ensuring individualized care plans that enhance their quality of life.
- Effective Communication: Maintains open lines of communication with residents, families, and healthcare providers, facilitating collaborative and informed decision-making.
- Innovation in Care Delivery: Implements innovative practices or programs that improve service delivery, enhance care coordination, or address emerging needs in the community.
- Safety and Compliance: Adheres to all regulatory requirements and safety standards, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for residents or patients.
- Community Engagement: Actively participates in community initiatives, promoting health awareness and supporting local resources that benefit older adults.
- Feedback and Improvement: Regularly solicits feedback from residents, families, and staff to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate a commitment to continuous enhancement of services.
Caregiver Lifetime Achievement Award (served in healthcare for more than 20 years)
- Professional Excellence: Demonstrates a consistent record of excellence in their field, achieving significant milestones and recognition throughout their career.
- Impact on Patient Care: Makes a lasting impact on patient care and outcomes, contributing to improved health and quality of life for individuals and communities.
- Leadership and Mentorship: Serves as a mentor and leader, guiding and inspiring colleagues and the next generation of healthcare professionals.
- Innovation and Advancement: Contributes to the advancement of healthcare through innovative practices, research, or the development of new programs or technologies.
- Community Engagement: Actively engages with the community, promoting health awareness, education, and access to care through outreach efforts.
- Advocacy: Advocates for policies and practices that enhance healthcare quality, access, and equity for all populations.
- Longevity and Dedication: Exhibits a long-standing commitment to the field of healthcare, demonstrating resilience and dedication over the course of their career.
- Professional Development: Pursues lifelong learning and professional development, staying current with trends and advancements in healthcare.
- Recognition and Awards: Receives accolades or recognition from peers, professional organizations, or the community for contributions to the field.
- Ethical Practice: Maintains high ethical standards in all professional activities, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and respect for patients and colleagues.
Additional details and registration to the 2025 Post-Acute Partners in Care Conference is coming soon, visit SDAHO today for the latest updates, including a NEW Facility Package Discount! Visit sdaho.org/post-acute-partners-in-care-conference/
