Concerned about your senior loved one living alone? Download our RightConversations guide today for helpful advice.
Right at Home Caregiver of the Year 2025 Hero Caregiver of the Year 2025 mobile

Recognizing Extraordinary Caregivers

National and Regional Caregivers of the Year are nominated for their exemplary commitment to making a difference in the lives of their clients and teams. The winners are selected by a committee that includes Right at Home representatives and community professionals from outside health care, senior care and caregiving organizations.
Share this story

2025 National Caregiver of the Year

Kulaea (Kay) Tau Creates Extraordinary Care Experiences and Earns 2025 National Caregiver of the Year

Right at Home bestowed its highest caregiver honor on Kulaea (Kay) Tau, a caregiver with Right at Home – Peninsula in Palo Alto, California, as the 2025 Right at Home National Caregiver of the Year. Kay stood out among more than 19,000 caregivers for her innate ability to create extraordinary, individualized caregiving experiences unique to the person in her care.

One particularly touching story involved Kay rearranging her entire schedule to support a client experiencing a sudden health decline. Kay created a cozy, comforting space with soft lighting and familiar items to ease the client’s discomfort. Others recalled heartfelt moments when Kay hummed tunes to a loved one undergoing radiation treatment to bring the client much-needed peace. Another client remembers how Kay threw a birthday party for him in his hospital room, bringing him joy and love during a challenging time. Kay’s thoughtful gestures, like bringing fresh-cut flowers and even imported chocolates from New Zealand, brighten her clients’ days in ways they’ll never forget

We are thrilled that Kay has been recognized as National Caregiver of the Year,” said Gulraj Shahpuri, owner of Right at Home – Peninsula. “She has a special gift for creating extraordinary experiences that make others feel valued.

Read Kay's full story here.

Kulaea (Kay) Tau, 2025 Right at Home National Caregiver of the Year headshot Kulaea (Kay) Tau, 2025 Right at Home National Caregiver of the Year headshot

2025 Regional Caregivers of the Year

Marie Carmel Appolon, Right at Home Northeast Regional Caregiver of the Year headshotMarie Carmel Appolon, Right at Home Northeast Regional Caregiver of the Year headshot

Marie Carmel Appolon

Northeast Regional Caregiver of the Year
Read Marie's Story
Tamara Gary, Right at Home Mid-Atlantic Regional Caregiver of the Year headshotTamara Gary, Right at Home Mid-Atlantic Regional Caregiver of the Year headshot

Tamara Gary

Mid-Atlantic Regional Caregiver of the Year
Read Tamara's Story
Shari Jeanes, Right at Home East Central Regional Caregiver of the Year headshotShari Jeanes, Right at Home East Central Regional Caregiver of the Year headshot

Shari Jeanes

East Central Regional Caregiver of the Year
Read Shari's Story
Miriam DeFrancesco, Right at Home Southeast Regional Caregiver of the Year headshotMiriam DeFrancesco, Right at Home Southeast Regional Caregiver of the Year headshot

Miriam DeFrancesco

Southeast Regional Caregiver of the Year
Read Miriam's Story
Deanna Hill, Right at Home Midwest Regional Caregiver of the Year headshotDeanna Hill, Right at Home Midwest Regional Caregiver of the Year headshot

Deanna Hill

Midwest Regional Caregiver of the Year
Read Deanna's Story
Bo Hodges, Right at Home Southwest Regional Caregiver of the Year headshotBo Hodges, Right at Home Southwest Regional Caregiver of the Year headshot

Bo Hodges

Southwest Regional Caregiver of the Year
Read Bo's Story
Rebecca Lindsey, Right at Home Northwest Central Regional Caregiver of the Year headshotRebecca Lindsey, Right at Home Northwest Central Regional Caregiver of the Year headshot

Rebecca Lindsey

Northwest Central Regional Caregiver of the Year
Read Rebecca's Story
Deb Whelan, Right at Home West Regional Caregiver of the Year headshotDeb Whelan, Right at Home West Regional Caregiver of the Year headshot

Deb Whelan

West Regional Caregiver of the Year
Read Deb's Story

Need help right now? Call us anytime at

(877) 697-7537