Award for Outstanding Caregiver Presented by the California Assisted Living Association

Oceanside CA— The California Assisted Living Association (CALA) has announced the recipients of its Southern California Excellence in Service Award, recognizing the senior living employees who step up and reach beyond the boundaries of their job description to support the care and wellbeing of residents, help fellow team members, and lead with strength.
Salome Pouniu Fisaga is a caregiver at Heritage Hills Memory Care Community. Of her work in memory care, Salome says, “this is my passion and taking care of residents is my love.” Her gentle manner positively affects residents living with dementia. When a resident is agitated or having a challenging time, Salome has the ability to be present with them and help them regain a sense of peace and security. During the COVID pandemic, Salome volunteered to take extra shifts and to manage the PPE supplies, making sure every station was stocked and everyone was safe as they worked.
The award recognizes honorees in five categories: caregiver, team member, department director, community nurse, and executive director. Honorees will be featured during Elevate: CALA’s Fall Conference & Trade Show, November 8-10 in Palm Springs, and will be profiled on CALA’s YouTube channel and in the CALA News & Views member magazine.

About CALA

The California Assisted Living Association (CALA) is the only association solely representing the state’s Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, which encompass Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. CALA represents over 660 providers and more than 150 associated businesses. Our provider members range from small, independently operated communities to large, multi-national organizations, and from providers that cater to an active lifestyle to ones that specialize in caring for residents with dementia.