Liz Barton Named 2020 Nursing Home Administrator of the Year
Liz Barton, administrator of the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans Nursing Home, was honored as the 2020 Nursing Home Administrator of the Year by Florida Health Care Association (FHCA). The award, presented during FHCA’s 2020 Virtual Conference, is the highest honor given to a nursing home administrator in Florida’s long term care profession.
“It’s so evident that Liz serves her residents and team members with tireless dedication,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA’s Executive Director. “They are quick to boast about her deep care for those at her center. It’s no surprise that with Liz’s leadership, the Veterans Nursing Home has become so valued within the local community.”
Barton has served in long term care for 30 years, and has been the administrator at the veterans nursing home for the past 17 years. She is known for mentoring future health care professionals and helping her team members excel. Barton adopted “Heroes Caring for Heroes” as her motto, serving as a constant reminder that she is there to lend advice and counsel.
As part of her advocacy to enhance the quality of life for veterans, Barton coordinates Honor Flights for residents of her care center. Over the past 14 years, she has created the opportunity for many of her residents to share the experience of flying to Washington, D.C., to be honored. Barton also demonstrates her passion for enriching the lives of veterans through her involvement with over 20 local veterans associations and community organizations.
“Everyone at her center clearly appreciates the way Liz cares for those around her, whether they are a team member, resident, or family member. She is a compassionate and optimistic leader who surely inspires her team,” said FHCA Immediate Past President Alex Terentev, who presented the award.
Barton brings her willingness to serve her facility to the Florida Health Care Association. She’s an active member of the Emergency Preparedness Committee and Survey and Regulatory Committee, as well as a Florida Leader graduate.
The 2020 Nursing Home Administrator of the Year award is part of Florida Health Care Association’s Long Term Care Excellence Achievement Awards which were presented during FHCA’s Virtual Conference, August 18-20. These awards annually honor a Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Administrator of the Year, a business partner and other individuals for their service and dedication to long term care. For more information about FHCA’s Long Term Care Excellence Achievement Awards, visit the FHCA website at http://www.fhca.org/membership/ltcawards.