Tri-Cities Lifesaver Award Honors a True Team Effort
The day began like any other for Home Care Professional (HCP) Alyssa Jackson. She arrived at her client’s home and knocked on the door. No answer. She knocked again — still nothing. Thinking the client might have simply forgotten to cancel, she moved on with her day. But the next morning, Alyssa returned for her scheduled shift, and again, no one answered. This time, her concern deepened. Something felt wrong.
Alyssa called the Tri-Cities branch, setting in motion the series of events that would lead to the Tri-Cities Lifesaver Award being presented to four extraordinary team members.
Quick Thinking That Earned the Tri-Cities Lifesaver Award & Saved a Life
Caregiver Manager, Carolina Sandoval, immediately jumped into action. She called the client’s sister and a close friend, but neither could reach him — the phone just rang. Realizing the urgency, Carolina contacted Client Care Supervisor, Bridgett Mendoza, who made the decisive call: “We’re going to do a welfare check.”
That proactive decision became a key moment in the Tri-Cities Lifesaver Award story.
The Welfare Check That Saved a Life
Bridgett Mendoza and Caregiver Manager Lizbeth Ulloa drove to the client’s home and were let inside by management. The house was hot, humid, and filled with a strong odor. On the floor was the client — weak, disoriented, and soiled. He explained that he had tried to reach his PERS emergency button but couldn’t get to it. It was clear he had been there for at least a day.
Without hesitation, Lizbeth dialed 911. Paramedics quickly assessed the client and rushed him to Trios Hospital. This urgent action is exactly why the Tri-Cities Lifesaver Award exists — to honor life-saving moments like this.
Compassion Beyond the Call of Duty
Meanwhile, Alyssa Jackson followed the ambulance to the hospital and stayed by the client’s side in the ER. Doctors determined he was severely dehydrated, suffering from dangerously low kidney function and a urinary tract infection. Without immediate intervention, the situation could have been fatal.
Once the client was stable, Carolina Sandoval called his sister and friend — not with news of tragedy, but with reassurance: “He’s in the hospital. He’s getting the care he needs.” This kind of follow-through is a hallmark of the Tri-Cities Lifesaver Award spirit.
More Than a Work Shift — A Rescue
This Tri-Cities Lifesaver Award story is a powerful example of why our caregivers and admin staff are so dedicated to our clients:
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Because Alyssa noticed something was wrong.
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Because Carolina acted without delay.
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Because Bridgett and Lizbeth didn’t wait to ensure safety.
From the first unanswered knock to the final call to family, this was a chain of vigilance, teamwork, and compassion — a rescue that proved how much the Tri-Cities team truly cares.
Full Circle: A Grateful Visit
When the client stopped by our Tri-Cities office to personally thank the team that saved his life, it was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Seeing him healthy, smiling, and grateful brought the story full circle — from a moment of crisis to a celebration of life. His visit was not only a heartfelt thank-you, but also a testament to the compassion, quick action, and dedication that define our Tri-Cities team. 💙
