The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) honoredAl Cole, volunteer for The Oaks of Clearwater, with this year’s Adult Volunteer of the Year Award at the FHCA 2024 Annual Conference & Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.
Cole has been integral part of The Oaks of Clearwater for the past four years, when he and his wife moved into the independent living community together. His commitment to enrich the lives of his fellow residents at The Oaks continued despite facing many personal challenges, including caring for his beloved wife who lost her battle with dementia last year.
“Mr. Cole has always put the needs of others before his own and always maintains a positive attitude,” said Glenda Colvin, Executive Director of The Oaks of Clearwater. “He makes a difference in the lives of others every day at The Oaks of Clearwater. We are so thankful for his service and proud that he has earned the recognition of FHCA’s 2024 Adult Volunteer of the Year.”
At The Oaks, Cole is a resident ambassador, volunteers in the dining room, delivers meals to residents, and accompanies them to doctors’ appointments or the grocery store. He often visits the residents in the skilled nursing and memory care units and offers comfort to those who need someone to lean on in difficult times.
Cole is passionate about ensuring high-quality, long-term care services for everyone, and recently traveled to Tallahassee with The Oaks team for an FHCA Lobby Wednesday as a voice for seniors and an advocate for investing in their care.
“Congratulations to Mr. Al Cole on this well-deserved honor of being named FHCA’s 2024 Adult Volunteer of the Year,” said Emmett Reed, CEO of FHCA. “Mr. Cole embodies the values of compassion, selflessness and community service and truly understands the importance of giving back.”
FHCA’s Volunteer of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who make significant contributions to the well-being of residents and the long-term care community. These awards are part of FHCA’s annual Long Term Care Achievement Awards which honor the exemplary contributions of long-term care leaders and volunteers who daily demonstrate commitment to quality care through their dedication to residents, staff, and the long-term care profession. Awards are presented during the FHCA Annual Conference & Trade Show.
