Pennsylvania Direct Care Workers Recognized for Outstanding Service, Exceptional Care

PHA’s 2023 Direct Care Worker of the Year Awards Recognize Statewide, Regional Winners

Harrisburg, Pa. (June 20, 2023) – Today, the Pennsylvania Homecare Association (PHA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging announced the recipients of the 2023 Direct Care Worker of the Year Awards. This year, 150 direct care workers from across the Commonwealth were nominated for their outstanding service and exceptional care.

Priscilla “Penny” Carter-Smith, Superior Home Care, was recognized as this year’s overall statewide winner and recipient of the “Vicki Hoak Direct Care Worker of the Year” award.

Kimberly Pirilla-Scalise, Executive Director at Superior Home Care, nominated Penny for her dedicated service and kind spirit.

“She has never been matched with a client that she didn’t stay with and lovingly care for until the client either passed or no longer needed care. This is so remarkable because of the diversity across Penny’s clients – no one client is like the other,” says Pirilla-Scalise. “She cares for bed-ridden veterans, developmentally delayed young adults, and seniors who mostly need homemaking and companionship. She makes each one feel like they are her only client – she is inclusive and kind and so very competent in meeting them where they are. She sees value in everyone she serves, and she wants and encourages each client to live their best life.”

In addition to the overall statewide award, PHA and the Department of Aging also recognized three regional winners. Betty Field, Diversified Human Services d/b/a SPHS Aging Services, Washington County; Alease Hall, Associates Home Care, Bucks County; and Marsha Spangler, VNA of Hanover & Spring Grove, Adams County were recognized as this year’s regional winners.

For nearly two decades, PHA has used this awards program to recognize excellence in home-based care and raise awareness for the invaluable roles that direct care workers play in their communities.

“Without this workforce, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians wouldn’t be able to maintain their independence at home,” says CJ Rambler, President of the Pennsylvania Homecare Association. “This program is just one way to recognize the invaluable role they play in our homes and communities. As Pennsylvania lawmakers and the Administration work to finalize this year’s budget, we encourage them to join us in recognizing the worth of this workforce and make meaningful investments that allow for higher wages.”

About PHA… The Pennsylvania Homecare Association is a statewide membership organization of more than 700 homecare, home health and hospice providers. PHA members provide quality care and serve as advocates for their patients and clients on a variety of healthcare related issues. PHA and its members work to improve professional standards and ensure access to quality homecare throughout the Commonwealth. To learn more, visit www.pahomecare.org.