Most people would agree that anyone who works as a caregiver to support the health, safety, and well-being of another person is an exceptional individual. Caregiving is a job that requires patience, sensitivity, strength, skill, steadfastness, and compassion — to name just a few of the qualities the role requires.
Most long-term caregivers demonstrate these admirable attributes, which makes it challenging to identify the truly outstanding individuals among the caregiving community. In truth, all caregivers are outstanding!
Despite the challenges, the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA) aimed to find a way to publicly recognize caregivers and highlight their hard work and dedication to the many older adults and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses who rely on their care.
In 2026, CCA launched its first-ever “California Caregiver of the Year Awards” with an invitation to all caregivers, care recipients, and community members across California to submit nominations for awards in three categories: 1) Nursing Home Worker of the Year, 2) In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Provider of the Year, and 3) Family Caregiver of the Year.
The judges acknowledged that choosing only three winners was incredibly difficult because, as one judge said, “They are all winners in my mind.” After reviewing more than 100 entries, the judges selected three outstanding caregivers to honor in 2026. Here we share their stories.
Quaniko Franklin was named the 2026 “Nursing Home Worker of the Year”
Quaniko has worked at Kyakameena Nursing Home in Berkeley, California for 25 years. He started working in the janitorial/housekeeping department, but has expanded his role to take on additional responsibilities that include taking residents to their appointments in the company van and assisting with admissions and discharges.
Quaniko does all this with a positive, friendly attitude and a ready smile, which eases any stress or tension that the residents might feel. Quaniko is also very active in the SEIU Local 2015 labor union, where he serves as an executive board or “E-Board” member.
According to the colleague who nominated Quaniko for this award, his warmth, friendliness, and commitment to helping others shine through everything.
She says, “He has formed special bonds with his residents, and he has bonded with their families as well!”
Maria Elizabeth Salas de Lemus was named the 2026 “IHSS Provider of the Year”
Maria Elizabeth was nominated by the family that hired her through IHSS to care for their aging mother. They have been impressed by the way she approaches caregiving with the same love and dignity she would offer her own family. She clearly finds deep purpose and fulfillment in helping their mother feel safe, respected, and cared for, especially during times when she is feeling vulnerable or confused.
Not only has Maria Elizabeth taken the time to learn her care recipient’s history and personality, she has learned what activities and things bring her comfort. She integrates these into their days together to bring her care recipient more joy and a sense of well-being.
Additionally, because her care recipient has diabetes, Maria Elizabeth has gone the extra mile by taking classes to learn more about diabetes care and nutrition.
When her care recipient started showing signs of dementia, she participated in training courses and webinars to learn about caring for a consumer with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.
According to her nominator, “Elizabeth is a real blessing to us!”
Deidra Gossett was named the 2026 “Family Caregiver of the Year”
When Deidra’s mother could no longer care for herself, Deidra stepped in to take on the role of her full-time home caregiver.
Her sister Portia says, “When our mother’s health declined, Deidra became the steady anchor our family relied on.”
The short list of things that Deidra did as her mother’s primary caregiver includes arranging for a hospital bed at home, an air mattress, a PureWick system, Hoyer Lift, recliner, wheelchair ramp, and safety bars for the bathroom.
She also researched, applied for, and received a grant to renovate her mother’s shower for better accessibility. All of this effort reflects both her advocacy and hands-on problem-solving skills.
Deidra has also attended conferences on caregiving and is an active member in adult caregiver groups in Los Angeles, where she attends skill-building programs and stress-buster workshops designed for caregivers.
These award winners were honored at a special “California Caregiver of the Year Awards” luncheon that was held in Los Angeles in March 2026. Read more about that event here.
