The Assisted Living Caregiver of the Year Award is sponsored by the Virginia Assisted Living Association (VALA) and recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding direct care services in assisted living through their interactions with residents and their family members.

Nomination Guidelines: One award will be given annually at the awards ceremony held in conjunction with the VALA Fall Conference to caregivers that are employed in assisted living communities that are VALA members. Examples of Caregivers include RNs, LPNs, CNAs, RMAs, and other direct care personnel.

Requirements for Reference: References need to identify the nominee’s qualifications based on the following criteria that will be used to evaluate candidates.
  • Goes above and beyond their job description;
  • Provides quality care to each resident;
  • Treats each resident, staff member, and community guest with dignity and respect;
  • Nurtures the spirit and individuality of each resident;
  • Communicates effectively with residents, family members, staff, and community guests;
  • Exhibits punctuality and dedication to their employment position by showing exemplary work ethic;
  • Serves as a mentor and role model to staff and community volunteers; and
  • Demonstrates outstanding teamwork skills.
Prize Package: The winner will receive a prize package containing at a minimum: $50 gift card, one free VALA Conference registration, VALA branded items, a certificate of recognition, a professional video showcasing the nominee and their affiliated company on VALA's YouTube channel, and an engraved award for display.

Nomination checklist:
  • A completed nomination form
  • Nominee’s resume or listing of employment history with listing of any licenses/certifications held (do not include copies of actual certificates or applications of employment)
  • One (1) reference letter identifying the nominee’s qualifications based on the above "Requirements for Reference" (may be from ALF staff members, residents, and family members of residents)
Supporting documents, including resumes and reference letters, may be sent to VALA in the following methods:
  • Uploaded or linked to at the end of this online nomination form
  • Emailed to: information@valainfo.org
  • Faxed to: (888) 611-8252
  • Sent to: VALA Diamond Awards, PO Box 71266, Henrico, VA 23255
Questions? Please contact VALA by calling (804) 332-2111 or emailing information@valainfo.org for assistance.
Nominations must be received in the VALA office by 11:59 PM on May 15, 2026.
Nominee Info:

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* 1. Nominee Name:

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* 2. Employment Title:

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* 3. ALF Name:

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* 4. ALF Address:

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* 5. ALF Telephone Number:

Length of Service:

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* 6. In current position:

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* 7. At ALF:

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* 8. In Senior Living Industry:

Nominator Info:

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* 9. Nominator Name:

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* 10. Nominator Telephone:

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* 11. Nominator E-Mail:

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* 12. What three words best describe your nominee? Please only use three words. Be creative!

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* 13. Why are you nominating this person? Describe an experience or reason why this person is considered outstanding. (Please be specific and limit your response to one paragraph)

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* 14. Share a story that captures your nominee’s dedication to improving residents’ quality of life.

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* 15. Is there anything else you'd like VALA to know about this nominee?

Supporting Documents:

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* 16. If desired, please upload any supporting documents (resume, listing of employment history, reference letters, etc.)

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF file types only.
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* 17. If desired, include any links to supporting documents:

Please note:

1. The following documents are required in a completed nomination:
  • A completed nomination form
  • Nominee’s resume or listing of employment history with listing of any licenses/certifications held (do not include copies of actual certificates or applications of employment)
  • One (1) reference letter identifying the nominee’s qualifications based on the above "Requirements for Reference" (may be from ALF staff members, residents, and family members of residents)
2. Supporting documents, such as a resume, listing of employment history, additional reference letters, etc. may be uploaded with the nomination or may be sent via the submission options included in the instructions.

3. Questions? Please contact VALA by calling (804) 332-2111 or emailing information@valainfo.org for assistance.

4. Nominations must be received in the VALA office by 11:59PM on May 15, 2026.
Thank you for your nomination. Let's celebrate excellence!

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