Right at Home Honors Caregivers Worldwide

OMAHA, Nebraska—Right at Home, a company that provides in-home care and assistance, announced the recipients of the 2025 Caregiver of the Year awards. This recognition celebrates the dedication, compassion and service provided by caregivers across the nation and worldwide. This year, Right at Home honored 13 individuals who exceeded expectations in fulfilling the company’s mission to improve the quality of life for its clients. The recipients were recognized during Right at Home’s annual conference and 30th anniversary celebration in Omaha, Nebraska.

National Caregiver of the Year: Kulaea (Kay) Tau

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. Tau stood out among more than 19,000 caregivers for her ability to create individualized caregiving experiences unique to the person in her care.

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

“We’re thrilled that Kay has been named the 2025 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.”

Right at Home said Tau’s dedication extends beyond her regular responsibilities. When COVID-19 was diagnosed in one of her clients, Tau canceled her birthday plans and took a flight to be with her client. 

“I am pleased to congratulate Kay Tau on being named this year’s Right at Home National Caregiver of the Year, and all regional and international caregiver award recipients,” said Margaret Haynes, president and CEO of Right at Home. “These awards celebrate caregivers who deliver outstanding care to their clients daily. These caregivers embody the true spirit of caregiving and the essence of Right at Home’s global mission: To improve the quality of life for those we serve. On behalf of the entire brand, we are incredibly grateful to have them as part of Right at Home.”

Right at Home celebrated all Caregiver of the Year recipients for their achievements and thanked them for their commitment to caregiving during its annual conference in Omaha, where the company was founded 30 years ago.

Regional Caregivers of the Year

• Northeast Region: Marie Carmel Appolon from Right at Home Nassau and Queens, New York
• Mid-Atlantic Region: Tamara Gary from Right at Home Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
• East Central Region: Shari Jeanes from Right at Home Greenville, South Carolina
• Southeast Region: Miriam DeFrancesco from Right at Home Little Rock, Arkansas
• Midwest Region: Deanna Hill from Right at Home West Des Moines, Iowa
• Southwest Region: Bo Hodges from Right at Home Austin West, Texas
• Northwest Central Region: Rebecca Lindsey from Right at Home Reno, Nevada
• West Region: Deb Whelan from Right at Home East Tucson, Arizona

International Caregivers of the Year

• Canada: Jessica Roland from Right at Home Mississauga North and Etobicoke North
• United Kingdom: Marius Bancioiu from Right at Home Guildford and Farnham
• Australia: Tashi Chophel from Brisbane West
• Ireland: Sifelani Nkomo from Right at Home Galway