Helping an older adult remain at home begins with understanding what makes that home and that person’s life special. It means learning familiar routines, respecting personal preferences, noticing when something changes, and offering support with patience and kindness.
At Amada Senior Care, our dedicated caregivers make those connections possible. They help seniors navigate daily challenges while preserving the dignity, independence, and relationships that matter to them. For families, their dependable presence offers reassurance and the comfort of knowing someone cares deeply about their loved one.
We are proud to announce the six recipients of the 2026 Amada Silei Jefferson National Caregiver Value Awards presented at our recent annual conference for franchise owners. Representing Amada offices across the country, these outstanding caregivers bring our six caregiver values to life: Compassionate, Competent, Communicative, Committed, Confidently Humble, and Comforting.
Their stories show why caregivers are the heart of all we do at Amada Senior Care.
Honoring the Legacy of Silei Jefferson, Mother of Amada Senior Care’s Founder
This year’s awards carry special meaning as they honor Silei Jefferson, whose years as a caregiver inspired her son, Amada Founder and President Tafa Jefferson, to build a company devoted to enriching the lives of seniors and their families.
Silei’s example of serving others with love continues to guide Amada’s approach to care. Franchise owners who spent time with her at last year’s conference experienced that inspiration firsthand.
Through the awards that now bear her name, her legacy will continue to recognize and encourage caregivers who bring that same dedication to the people they serve.
Compassionate — Loretta S.
Amada Senior Care Lehigh Valley, PA
For more than three years, Loretta has brought warmth, dependability, and thoughtful attention to her clients and their families. For one client living alone with dementia, compassionate care meant understanding that her beloved dog was an important part of her world. As the client’s needs increased, Loretta helped with daily care and homemaking while also making sure her companion was doing well. When emergencies arose, she stayed beyond her scheduled shift to provide continuity and reassurance.
Families have publicly thanked Loretta at memorial services, reflecting the lasting relationships she builds. One longtime client described how Loretta remembers her activities, helps her prepare for the day, and encourages her exercises, all with kindness and an uplifting spirit.
Loretta’s compassion is evident in the details that help people feel known, respected, and cared for.
Competent — Josephina “Josie” M.
Amada Senior Care San Diego Central, CA
Josie brings calm judgment, adaptability, and patience to situations that can change quickly.
When a client unexpectedly lost consciousness after a dental appointment, Josie acted immediately to ensure she received emergency medical attention. She accompanied the client to the hospital, advocated for her, and helped her return home afterward.
The client, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease, continued to experience distress that day. Josie responded with composure and empathy, even picking up the client’s favorite meal to offer something familiar and comforting.
Her ability to remain attentive and professional under pressure gives her team confidence and helps clients feel supported through difficult moments. Josie demonstrates how caregiving competence combines practical skills with a thoughtful understanding of the person receiving care.
Communicative — Marie F.
Amada Senior Care NorthShore, IL
When the Amada NorthShore team asked a client’s family about Marie, all 10 of the client’s children wanted to share their appreciation!
That response speaks to the trust Marie has built through listening and attentive care. She took time to understand their mother’s desire to remain independent and found ways to offer assistance that preserved her dignity.
Their relationship grew through everyday experiences: sharing meals, walking the dog, decorating for holidays, and watching favorite television programs together. These familiar moments helped care become a comfortable part of her client’s life.
Marie reminds us that meaningful communication begins with listening. Understanding someone’s wishes, recognizing what brings them comfort, and responding with respect can help both seniors and their families feel more confident about accepting support.
Committed — Tetyana H.
Amada Senior Care Monmouth, NJ
Tetyana understands how much clients depend on consistent care.
During a major winter storm, she was focused on a senior couple who needed substantial assistance. The husband was bedbound, and his wife’s mobility challenges meant she could not safely meet his needs alone. Anticipating the difficult conditions, Tetyana rose hours early and made an extraordinary effort to reach their home and provide the support they needed.
Her commitment is also evident in quieter ways throughout the year. She taught herself English to communicate more effectively with clients and demonstrated her integrity by reporting a payroll overpayment that had gone unnoticed.
For Tetyana, dependability is deeply personal. Her clients know they matter to her, and her actions help them feel supported when they are especially vulnerable.
Confidently Humble — Millicent “Millie” M.
Amada Senior Care Clermont, FL
Millie brings skill and quiet confidence to her work while remaining open to learning from every person she serves.
That approach shines in her relationship with a client who has cerebral palsy and communicates primarily without words. Millie took time to learn how he expresses himself, what makes him comfortable, and which activities bring him joy.
His excitement when she arrives reflects the connection they have built. Their walks and time together give him opportunities for enjoyment and companionship while reassuring his family that he feels understood.
Millie embodies confident humility by trusting her abilities while recognizing that each client has something to teach her. She allows that understanding to shape the care she provides.
Comforting — Billie Jo M.
Amada Senior Care Greensboro, NC
Billie Jo has a gift for helping people living with dementia feel more at ease.
Her calm presence and thoughtful approach help clients settle into care and find enjoyment in daily life. Families have noticed the difference, seeing their loved ones experience meaningful connection alongside assistance with everyday needs.
Billie Jo also supports her colleagues, helping introduce care to new clients and remaining involved as other caregivers join the team. With more than 2,500 hours of care provided, she continues to approach her work as a calling to serve seniors.
The comfort she offers extends throughout the care relationship, reassuring clients, encouraging families, and strengthening her team.
Supporting Seniors Means Supporting Families
These six honorees illustrate what dedicated caregiving can mean in a family’s life.
Help with bathing, dressing, preparing meals, or maintaining routines can make daily life more manageable for an older adult. Just as meaningful is the relationship behind that assistance: a familiar face, a patient listener, and someone who takes the time to understand how a person wants to live.
For family members, dependable support can create room to rest, manage other responsibilities, and spend more meaningful time with their loved one. Caregivers become trusted partners in helping families navigate changing needs.
We congratulate Loretta, Josie, Marie, Tetyana, Millie, and Billie Jo on this national recognition. We also thank the caregivers throughout the Amada network whose dedication makes our mission possible every day.
Through their compassion and commitment, Silei Jefferson’s example continues to live on in the homes they enter, the families they support, and the lives they enrich.
“She was a loving mother, my mentor, my most trusted advisor, my franchisor, and the original caregiver,” said Tafa Jefferson.
Could your loved one benefit from additional support at home? Contact your local Amada Senior Care office to learn about personalized care and schedule a complimentary care assessment. CLICK HERE to find an Amada Senior Care office near you.
