Griswold Home Care for North San Diego Nominates Two Care Partners for National Caregiver of the Year Award

Griswold Home Care for North San Diego, a leading provider of in-home care services for seniors and people with disabilities, is proud to announce that Sanjay Patel and Fidelia Underwood have been nominated for the Home Care Association of America’s (HCAOA) 2025 Caregiver of the Year Award.

About the Home Care Association of America and the Caregiver of the Year Award

The Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) is the leading national trade association representing the home care industry. With thousands of member agencies across the country, HCAOA advocates for high standards in home-based care, supports professional development for caregivers, and works to shape policies that strengthen in-home support for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Each year, HCAOA presents the Caregiver of the Year Award, one of the industry’s most prestigious honors. This award recognizes caregivers from across the United States who demonstrate exceptional compassion, skill, and dedication in supporting clients and families. Nominees are selected based on the positive impact they have made in the lives of those they serve—helping people remain safe, independent, and connected in their own homes. The 2025 Caregiver of the Year Award continues this tradition of celebrating the extraordinary contributions of front-line caregivers who embody the very best of the home care profession.

Recognizing Excellence in Respite and Senior Care

Both nominees have earned perfect client satisfaction ratings and consistently deliver high-quality, compassionate care. Their work supports the mission of the San Diego Regional Center’s respite care program, helping to prevent primary care partner burnout, reduce family stress, and allow clients to remain safely at home instead of entering facility-based care.

Sanjay Patel of San Diego, California, who holds advanced medical education, brings clinical insight and deep compassion to his non-medical respite care role. Families praise his attentiveness, professionalism, and ability to quickly put clients at ease.

Fidelia Underwood of Vista, California, an experienced nursing professional with more than two decades of care partner experience, is recognized for her respectful, purpose-driven approach that helps clients stay connected to their communities and maintain meaningful routines.

Commitment to Excellent In-Home Care in San Diego County

“These nominations reflect not only the dedication of Sanjay and Fidelia but also the high standard of home care we strive for every day,” said April Kohnen, Director of Home Care Services for Griswold Home Care for North San Diego. “Their work is a reminder of how impactful professional care partners can be in helping people live where they love—with dignity, safety, and joy.”

The 2025 Caregiver of the Year will be announced on October 21, 2025.

Encouraging Others to Join the Growing Care Partner Profession

Griswold Home Care for North San Diego is also using this opportunity to spotlight the rewarding profession of care partners. The organization welcomes semi-retired professionals, students in healthcare fields, and compassionate individuals seeking flexible, meaningful work to explore Griswold Home Care’s care partner job opportunities in San Diego.

Learn more about care partner positions and apply online: Become a Care Partner