Richmond caregiver Lisa Jelly-May received the surprise of her career last month. On Thursday, June 25, Jelly-May, director of nursing at The Leland Legacy, was named an Indiana Health Care Association/Indiana Center for Assisted Living’s Caregiver of the Year.
Jelly-May tearfully shared the moment with team members, family and friends.
IHCA/INCAL President Paul Peaper was on site to deliver the news. With over 30 years of experience, the organization considered Jelly-May an embodiment of the very best of senior care.
Jelly-May’s nominating statement described her as leading with “both strength and heart—balancing clinical experience with genuine human connection.”
The statement shared an example of her compassionate reach for her residents: “One of the most memorable examples of her compassion came during a resident’s final days. The resident was experiencing significant anxiety and had no family present. Instead of allowing him to face those moments alone, she brought him into her office, sat him comfortably on her couch, and created a sense of calm and safety. When he mentioned a simple craving—a breakfast sandwich—she went above and beyond, providing a full spread that felt like a feast. More importantly, she gave him her time, her presence and her heart. In that moment, she became his family.”
Each year, IHCA/INCAL’s Senior Living Awards program honors workers and volunteers in nursing and assisted living facilities. Three recipients are selected from peer nominations.
In August, Jelly-May will be recognized at the IHCA/INCAL Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, and receive a Senior Living Award.
A version of this article appeared in the July 15 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.