Meet Our 2024 James R. Withrow Jr. Home Health Aide of the Year Winner: Monica White

There’s nothing that brings Personal Care Home Health Aide Monica White greater reward than helping her clients achieve the goals they set for themselves that day. It could be getting out to the store, or dinner in a restaurant—something that brings them joy, but that they wouldn’t be able to accomplish without her.

“I make a difference in their day because they know there is someone to rely on, someone to help get them out of the house,” says Monica, who has been with VNS Health for more than 10 years. “There is a trust that I will come, and it gives them assurance that someone will always be there for them. They look forward to seeing me and it provides a routine.”

She is also there for her clients’ families. “I like being able to help the family caregivers,” she says. “Some of them are so overloaded. I’m so glad when I can give them a break to take care of themselves.”

Throughout her day—whether she is providing care to bedbound patients, managing Hoyer lifts, or caring for individuals with dementia—there is a consistent quality that she displays: patience. “If you don’t have patience,” she says from experience, “this isn’t a job for you.”

Monica knew she wanted to do what she could to help people, which led her to becoming a home health aide as soon as she arrived in the U.S. from the Caribbean. “I saw that there are so many people to help, so I said, ‘Let me see what I can do to help in whatever way I can,’” she recalls. “I want to do all I can while I still can!”

Monica was surprised and delighted to be honored with an ESPRIT Award. “It means a lot to me that people appreciate and acknowledge what I do,” says Monica. “Because it isn’t easy.”

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