Each year, the ALFA Hero Awards recognize individuals who are ideal representatives of the hundreds of thousands of people serving in senior living communities.  ALFA Hero Award nominations of community staff are welcomed from community executive directors/administrators or company and regional executives. Executive directors are no longer eligible for the ALFA Hero Awards as a result of the introduction of the ALFA Senior Living Community Leadership Award.

“The dedication and passion of all the big-hearted people who choose to serve seniors is a reason why resident-centered senior living is the fastest-growing long-term services and support option in the United States. The high-quality, resident-focused care provided by these outstanding individuals and their communities is what our nation’s seniors need and deserve.” - Rick Grimes, President & CEO, ALFA.

Hero Award Winners

• 2012 Hero Award Winners
• 2011 Hero Award Winners
• 2010 Hero Award Winners
• 2009 Hero Award Winners
• 2008 Hero Award Winners
• 2007 Hero Award Winners

Questions Asked During Hero Nominations: 

1. What three values does the nominee embrace and how are they exemplified?
2. Give examples how the nominee champions quality of life for the residents.
3. Share why the nominee is a role model for staff in senior living communities.
4. How does the nominee offer choice, dignity and independence to the residents?
5. Give a short story about the relationship the nominee has with a resident or family.
6. Give specific examples how the nominee impacted, improved and inspired the work place and maintains positive relationships with staff.
7. Describe volunteer or outside the community activities the nominee may participate in to advocate for seniors and fight against ageism.

Judging

All nominations are due in January of each year. All companies submitting award nominations must be ALFA members in order to move on to being assessed.  Every submission will be judged and ranked against the following criteria:

1. On a scale of 1 to 5 (five being best), rate the uniqueness of the submission.
2. On a scale of 1 to 5 (five being the best), rate the level of passion communicated in the nomination.
3. On a scale of 1 to 5 (five being the best), rate the strength of the resident/family relationship example.
4. On a scale of 1 to 5 (five being the best), rate the strength of the staff/community relationship example.
5. On a scale of 1 to 5 (five being the best), rate the strength of the nominee’s embrace of the ALFA core principles of choice, independence, dignity and quality of life.
6. On a scale of 1 to 5 (five being the best), rate the overall quality of the nomination.

Recognition:

• Selected Hero’s will travel to the ALFA Conference and Expo. Full conference registration, air travel and one hotel night included.
• Invitation to participate in Hero Fly-In, travel and one night lodging included.
• Award presented and video shown during Hero Lunch at the ALFA Conference & Expo
• $500 cash award.
• Trophy/ plaque.
• Press release
• Recognition in Senior Living Executive.