Oak Cottage program director receives excellence in service award

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2023) – Jovany Guerra, of Oak Cottage of Santa Barbara Memory Care, has been named the 2023 Southern California Outstanding Community Nurse by the California Assisted Living Association (CALA).

Guerra is the Generations program director at Oak Cottage, an Integral Senior Living community specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. With a nursing career spanning back to 2011, Guerra has seen remarkable growth in his role at Oak Cottage and has become a valued resource for dementia and Alzheimer’s care within the community. His extensive network of collaborations with local physicians, mobile dentists, skilled nursing facilities, home health services, hospices and various other entities contributes significantly to the comfort and well-being of residents at Oak Cottage.

“Jovany not only excels as a nurse but goes above and beyond by mentoring colleagues and honoring residents,” said Collette Gray, president and CEO of Integral Senior Living and Solstice Senior Living. “He is extremely deserving of a CALA award, and we’re honored to have Jovany as part of the ISL family.”

In order to create the highest-quality programs and services for their residents. CALA supports their 700 provider members and 170 associate members with advocacy and education. CALA is the only association solely representing the state’s residential care facilities for the elderly, which encompass assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement communities.

During a recent “This Is Your Life” event designed to honor residents’ life achievements, Guerra spearheaded honoring a resident and former geriatric specialist by providing her the chance to be “doctor for a day,” complete with a uniform, nametag and a staff meeting to present her day’s findings. Hear more about Guerra’s story and accomplishments below.

Guerra’s award was also featured in this article from McKnight’s Senior Living.