Ceca proudly announces Christine Romano as a recipient of a 2024 National Ceca Award! Christine is the Community Driver at Providence Place Senior Living at the Collegeville Inn and was recognized by the family of a resident for going above and beyond for their loved one. From the moment they first met, she demonstrated warmth, attentiveness, and genuine compassion.
Whether accompanying their mother to a dental appointment, driving her down memory lane past the family’s former home, or ensuring her comfort during a family wedding, Christine did everything in her power to make the resident feel valued and cared for. In preparation for attending the family wedding, Christine went to great lengths coordinating every detail, even off the clock, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for their mother. She showed up early, engaged warmly with the family, and provided personalized care, from packing essentials to offering a comforting ride home after the long day. Christine treats all Providence Place residents in her care with the same deep commitment to their well-being, trust, and dignity that makes her truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.
“The day after the wedding, I asked our mother how the ride home was. She said she enjoyed it and that it was ‘different.’ I asked her what she meant by ‘different.’ She explained that Christine talked with her the whole ride home and even offered to bring our mother back to the wedding when our mother told her she wished she could have stayed longer.
In healthcare in general, and senior care specifically, this level of engagement and one-on-one connection isn’t always the norm. Christine had texted me to let me know that our mother was back at Providence Place, changed and in bed. A few days later, Christine called me to make sure everything was okay with our mom, brief me on their ride back, and ask if there was anything she could have done better. She shared what a pleasure it was to drive our mother.
We are immensely appreciative of how Christine thoroughly communicated about our mother’s care, included us as her care team in decision making, and made sure she connected with the resident life associates who were on that evening to make sure our mother had the extra tender loving care she needed after this – her first trip outside of a care setting in three months. She’s made such a trusting connection with all of us.”
– Excerpt from Christine’s recognition received by a family member of a Providence Place Resident
As a National Ceca Award Honoree, Christine will be honored at a ceremony on March 18 and receive a cash award of $2,500, along with an engraved commemorative trophy.
“Every year the staff and board at Ceca are overcome with emotions as we read through the amazing stories of the caregivers in our midst. It is always a difficult decision to determine the recipients of the National Award. However, Christine’s story highlights the exemplary care and positive impact she has on the lives of residents. We are very proud to honor Christine for the dedication, compassion and skill she exhibits,” said Nate Hamme, President and Executive Director of Ceca Foundation.
Throughout the year, Providence Place Senior Living and Ceca work together to provide meaningful recognition and rewards to their team members at all seven of our communities throughout Pennsylvania.
“We are so proud of Christine, a long-term member of our team. I believe she is a wonderful choice for this award because she takes her commitment to our residents to heart, frequently going above and beyond expectations. Christine knows that her work can make a real difference in residents’ lives – and every day she does. She sets an incredible example for us all,” shared David Leader, President and CEO of Providence Place Senior Living.
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The 2024 National Ceca Awards are sponsored by MemoryFox, Ohio Health Care Association, and RB Health Partners, Inc.