Ohio Health Care Association

11/19/2025

🎉 Congratulations to the 2025 OHCA Photo Contest Winners! 📸

We are thrilled to celebrate the creativity, joy, and everyday moments of connection showcased in this year’s submissions. Thank you to all who voted and to the dedicated long-term caregivers who make moments like these possible.

🥇 1st Place – Windsor House at Champion
“I Kissed a Pig and I Liked It!”
Our residents were squealing with joy as two little pigs visited and performed their tricks—bringing laughter, surprise, and plenty of smiles throughout the community.

🥈 2nd Place – Windsor Armstrong Memory Care
“Circle of Life”
Thanks to Pearl’s Memory Babies, every resident received a baby/puppy companion during Adoption Day. Ginger received her baby and was overcome with happy tears, filling the room with warmth, smiles, and shared joy.

🥉 3rd Place – Circleville Post-Acute
“Queen of Sass, King of Smiles”
Circleville Post-Acute’s King and Queen shared smiles and royal waves during the Circleville Pumpkin Show parade—spreading joy and autumn spirit throughout the community.

Thank you to everyone who participated and to the incredible caregivers who enrich residents’ lives every single day. We can’t wait to see how you showcase your awards! 🌟

11/18/2025

🌟 Congratulations to Julie Mills, Executive Director at Allay Senior Care of Meyers Lake, on being named a 2025 OHCA Assisted Living Excellence Award recipient! 🌟

With 20 years in long-term care, Julie is a hands-on, energetic, and compassionate leader who never hesitates to jump into any task—fixing plumbing, patching walls, or helping staff wherever she’s needed. Her “can-do” attitude sets the tone for the entire community.

Julie brings joy and creativity to daily life at Allay. Whether she’s dressed as Lucille Ball, a rock star, or the Easter Bunny, or cheering residents on during water park day, she ensures both staff and residents have fun while feeling supported. She’s also known for surprising everyone with homemade treats—often using items borrowed from her own kitchen.

Her impact extends into the community through Alzheimer’s Association walks and the caregiver support group she leads monthly. Julie fosters an environment of trust, empowerment, and compassion, making her an irreplaceable part of Allay Senior Care.

We are proud to honor Julie with this well-deserved recognition! 💛✨

11/17/2025

🌟 Congratulations to Jonylah “Ms. Jay” Goins, Activities Director at Astoria Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, on being named a 2025 OHCA Skilled Nursing Excellence Award recipient! 🌟

Ms. Jay is truly the heart of Astoria. Since 2013, she has gone above and beyond to make residents feel valued, engaged, and at home—crafting meaningful programs like Men’s Club, Bible Study, and the beloved Peanut Auction, and never hesitating to host activities on evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Her dedication extends far beyond her role. When the facility was without a dietary manager, she stepped in to cook dinner; she has assisted in housekeeping, admissions, and hospitality—always putting resident comfort first.

Ms. Jay also strengthens community ties, partnering with local schools, churches, and volunteers so every resident receives personalized holiday gifts and regular fellowship. As a breast cancer survivor, she leads the Astoria team in the annual Making Strides Walk.

From music performances and veteran programs to outings and special events, her enthusiasm brings joy to everyone around her. Even in times of personal loss, she continued showing the same love and commitment she shares daily.

Ms. Jay’s compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication make her so deserving of this honor. 💙✨

11/14/2025

🌟 Congratulations to Laura Dicken, Life Enrichment Coordinator at The Legacy Assisted Living, on being named a 2025 OHCA Assisted Living Excellence Award recipient! 🌟

Laura is the definition of kindness and excellence. She constantly goes above and beyond to make every resident feel included and valued—whether she’s arranging fishing trips, helping a former farmer build a garden, connecting veterans with fellow vets, or ensuring even bedbound residents are part of every activity.

Her creativity transforms the entire community. From Shark Week to Carnival Day to this year’s Wizard of Oz Halloween theme, Laura brings every event to life with detail, energy, and heart. She inspires the whole staff to join in and creates a sense of joy and togetherness that residents and families feel every day.

Laura’s dedication to knowing each resident and lifting up her team is unmatched. Please join us in celebrating her well-deserved recognition! 💛✨

11/13/2025

🏡 Congratulations to Samantha Waaland, Home Health Physical Therapist with National Church Residences, on being named one of the recipients of the 2025 OHCA Home Health & Hospice Excellence Awards!

Sam is so much more than a physical therapist—she embodies compassionate, person-centered care in every sense. She sees her patients not just as diagnoses, but as whole people with stories, struggles, and hopes.

During one home visit, Sam noticed a patient was upset—not because of pain, but because her phone, her lifeline to family, wasn’t working. Sam paused therapy, sat with her, and spent the time restoring that connection before continuing care. That simple act turned a routine visit into a powerful moment of dignity and humanity.

Her compassion extends beyond her patients—Sam mentors new clinicians, strengthens team processes, and advocates for older adults to access the full range of Medicare benefits and services they deserve. Through her dedication, countless Ohioans have been able to age with dignity, safety, and independence in the homes they love.

As we celebrate Home Health Month this November, we are proud to honor caregivers like Sam who remind us that excellence in home care isn’t just about skill—it’s about heart. 💙

11/12/2025

🌟 Congratulations to Diane Haller, Activities Assistant at Van Wert Manor, on being named one of the recipients of the 2025 OHCA Assisted Living Excellence Awards!

Diane truly embodies the heart of caregiving. After retiring from her longtime role as Dietary Manager, she returned to Van Wert Manor simply because she “missed enjoying life with the residents.” To Diane, this isn’t work—it’s joy. She treats every resident like family, bringing laughter, comfort, and small acts of kindness that brighten each day.

Whether she’s baking homemade pies, sewing walker bags, or surprising residents with coffee, ice cream, or tomatoes from her garden, Diane goes above and beyond to make every person feel special. Her passion reminds us all that when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. 💛

11/11/2025

Today, and every day, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country. 🇺🇸

Across Ohio, long term care communities are home to countless veterans—each with stories of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. Our members are privileged to care for these heroes, ensuring they receive the respect, comfort, and quality of life they so greatly deserve.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to the many veterans who serve in our workforce. From nurses and aides to administrators, maintenance teams, and dietary staff—your continued service through caregiving embodies the same spirit of commitment and compassion that defined your military service.

To all who have worn the uniform, and to those who honor that legacy through care and service: thank you for your dedication to our nation and to the people of Ohio.

11/10/2025

Voting is now live for the 2025 OHCA Photo Contest!

The only way your vote counts is to LIKE THE PHOTO that you are voting for. Comments will not be counted towards totals. Please be sure to also Like and Follow the OHCA page to ensure you see our announcement on the winner!

Voting ends at 6:00 pm on November 16th!

11/10/2025

11/10/2025

Congratulations to Dylan Straw of Generations Senior Living of Berea, one of the recipients of the 2026 OHCA Excellence Awards for Assisted Living!

For more than twelve years, Dylan has been the steady heartbeat of Generations. From his early days as a dietary aide to his current role as Administrative Assistant, he has built a career defined by compassion, humility, and service.

Whether he’s welcoming families with warmth, mentoring front desk staff, or helping residents navigate technology, Dylan brings care and connection to everything he does. His colleagues describe him as the soul of their community—someone who bridges residents, families, and staff with kindness and professionalism.

Congratulations, Dylan, on this well-deserved recognition and for embodying the very best of senior living care!

11/07/2025

It’s always inspiring to see students giving their time and talents to connect with residents at care communities across Ohio! 💙

11/07/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Earl Jackson of Singleton Health Care Center! 🎉

Earl has been named one of the recipients of the 2026 OHCA Excellence Awards for Skilled Nursing — and it’s no surprise why.

Are you a maintenance director? A handyman? A DJ? A magician? A photographer? A friend? Earl is all of the above. Since joining Singleton in 2003, he’s become the heart of the building — the person everyone calls when something breaks, when a resident needs a ride, or when a little laughter is needed most.

Known for his “Teamwork makes the dream work” motto, Earl’s positivity is contagious. From keeping the building spotless and safe to performing as “Earl the Magnificent” at talent shows, his care and creativity shine in every corner of Singleton.

Thank you, Earl, for over 20 years of dedication, joy, and excellence. Your impact is truly magical. ✨