Nominated by Danielle Mosley, MSW, LSW and assistant director of PathWays to Aging:
Richard Gaidoo has been a Flourish care manager at CICOA for five years and is always committed to providing clients with an exceptional experience. Richard identifies a basic need and coordinates, provides and executes assistance for clients and caregivers. He is the care manager that jumps in with two feet without any hesitation, providing each client with an exceptional experience and is quick to make that phone call or do an extra visit to help a client in need.
His work is intentional with his client’s and families. Richard has helped clients on several occasions, that were being evicted in a matter of days, to secure a safe place to stay until additional permanent housing was obtained. His work also includes clients that are in assisted living facilities.
For example, a client of Richard’s was moving from a nursing facility and had no basic necessities. Richard went to work and was able to get clothing and hygiene products delivered within days at no charge for the client to make the move to assisted living successful for her.
Richard has been recognized on several occasions by the Assisted Living Administration for his professionalism and the asset he is to clients. This is due to going above and beyond regularly.
He has connected clients with community resources to have their new place furnished, holiday assistance to make the season extra special, and gather information for a successful transition for clients who are moving out of state.
Besides meeting the basic needs of housing, Richard also ensures that his clients know where their next meals are coming from. Over 50% of Richard’s caseload receive home-delivered meals (HDMs) or have other HDM assistance being provided. Richard has several clients who have dietary restrictions for which he has given information on how to obtain meals with specific dietary requirements, such as clients who require puréed foods, lower sodium, or diabetic meals. With the area that Richard serves, grocery stores can be a scarcity. With this, he has provided food pantry resources and other options to ensure clients have stable food intake.
These are only a few of the many examples where Richard has shown he truly cares for his clients. He shows how he is an exceptional care manager and Community Champion daily. He has participated in all team volunteer events and those put on by CICOA. Richard truly understands the population and area of clients that he serves. He does a phenomenal job of meeting clients where they are in their journeys and ensures their needs are met.
Thank you for all you do, Richard, and congratulations on being this year’s winner of the Mom’s Meals and USAging Community Champion award.
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