Syracuse, NY – Jeannene Bolen of Oswego was named the 2012 “Mental Health Aide Specialist of the Year” at Home Aides of Central New York’s Annual Aide Recognition Dinner.  The event celebrated the hard work and dedication of the agency’s home health aides, who provide vital in-home services to our community’s aging, ill and frail individuals, giving them the caring support they need to remain independent at home for as long as possible.

“Jeannene has a special gift for caring for clients with a mental health diagnosis,” states Sandra H. Martin, President of Home Aides of Central New York. “She is both understanding and compassionate, and shows true empathy for her clients’ daily struggles.  Jeannene’s positive attitude and bright smile are always appreciated, and we are truly grateful for her continuing dedication to her clients and our agency.”

Ms. Bolen has been an employee of Home Aides of Central New York for four years, and has dedicated more than 8,000 hours to caring for individuals at home. She successfully completed her Mental Health Aide Specialist training in 2011. This specialty training furthers a home health aide’s ability to serve clients that have a mental health diagnosis.

The Mental Health Aide Specialist training program consists of 20 hours of instruction and skill training, and is presented by a faculty of mental health professionals. The program was developed in 2002, and 72 of Home Aides of Central New York’s aides have been trained to care for individuals with a mental health diagnosis.