On Thursday, November 20, the Kentucky Coalition for Aging Resources and Empowerment (KCARE) recognized top long-term care leaders and heroes in Kentucky at their quality awards banquet. Andrea Risner from West Liberty Nursing and Rehabilitation was honored to be a part of this elite group of leaders in the industry. 

“We were honored to be able to recognize the strength and resilience of our health care heroes. It is a special group of people who dedicate their lives to providing outstanding care and compassion to their residents,” said KCARE President Adam Mather. “This recognition is a testament to their dedication to their residents.” 

The KCARE Quality Awards winners are nominated by their facility. Nominations are then scored blindly by long-term care veterans and mentors. This year, over 400 nominations were submitted for the Quality Awards.  

Long-term care and assisted living providers from across the state attended the Annual Meeting & Expo in Louisville. Participants furthered their knowledge of senior care with a variety of educational options including strategies to cope with stress on the job, hiring and retaining quality staff and regulatory issues. More than 100 vendors exhibited during the expo, showcasing the latest innovations to provide quality care.  

At West Liberty Nursing and Rehabilitation, we are fortunate to have a compassionate and dedicated team, and one of the shining stars of our community is Tabatha Mann, our Director of Social Services who truly makes a difference in the lives of our residents every day. Tabatha’s nurturing spirit and commitment to the emotional and social well-being of those in her care have earned her the respect and admiration of both her colleagues and the residents themselves.

For Tabatha, the decision to pursue a career in social work, particularly in a healthcare setting, stems from her deep desire to understand and help others. She shared, “I’ve always been drawn to nurturing and understanding the emotions, feelings, and actions of others. I wanted to help people through the happy, the sad, and everything in between.” It’s this genuine care for others that drives her in her daily work, and it’s evident in the way she interacts with every resident she meets.

Tabatha’s favorite part of her job is the daily affirmation of her work—the smiles and thank-yous from residents. She said, “It’s the little moments. The smiles, the nods, and the gratitude from the residents make every day worth it.”

There’s one story that particularly stands out to Tabatha. She worked hard to build a connection with a resident who is deaf and doesn’t use traditional sign language. “I had to learn a completely different way to interact and communicate with him, finding his own language. And then, to see his smile and wave hello every day—that was such a rewarding experience for me,” she recalled.

One quote that guides Tabatha’s life comes from the Irish blessing, “May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine warm upon your face, the rain fall softly upon your fields and until we meet again may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.” This beautiful sentiment reflects the kind of care and peace that Tabatha strives to bring to her work every day.

Tabatha Mann is more than just a social worker—she’s a friend, a listener, and a source of support for our residents at West Liberty Nursing and Rehabilitation. Her commitment to the emotional well-being of each resident, combined with her warm heart and nurturing nature, makes her a vital part of our team. We’re incredibly lucky to have her with us and look forward to the many more smiles, thank-yous, and meaningful moments that lie ahead!