Published in the Pawtucket Times on February 4, 2002

At the age of 32 in 1963, Adele Lubera had already raised a daughter. Now it was time for her to go to work to bring money into the household.

But after holding very brief jobs at two mills in Central Falls, the former homemaker realized the mill jobs were not her cup of tea. As a foot press operator who manufactured sunglasses, Lubera could not stand the loud, repetitive noise and clatter of machines, nor did she end up liking the tediousness of inspecting baby clothes.

Be it fate, destiny or just being in the right place at the right time, Lubera eventually fell into a fulfilling lifelong career that has spanned more than three decades. A tip from a friend led the frustrated mill worker to seek employment as a nursing assistant at the Cumberland-based  Grandview Nursing Home. Lubera was one of the facility’s first hires for nursing assistants.  In time, she would take several other positions, including one at Manchester Nursing Home in Pawtucket, which ultimately would lead her to her current position as a certified nursing assistant at Harris Health Care North in Central Falls.

Last week, more than 300 people from Rhode Island’s nursing home industry, gathered for a breakfast to recognize their own, as well as state officials, politicians, and community volunteers who bring quality of care to the state’s 106 nursing homes.

Along with other award recipients, Lubera received her 15 minutes of fame that day. She was recognized by the Rhode Island Health Care Association (RIHCA) as recipient of the group’s First Annual Quality Award. “The President’s Award,” for her 31 years of providing quality of care to residents in her current position. The RIHCA award is given to a dedicated certified nursing assistant who exhibits caring and compassion while delivering quality of care.

When presenting the prestigious award to Lubera, Jimmy Flanagan, RIHCA’s past president, told the packed banquet room that in 31 years at her current position, Lubera had never called in sick or even arrived late to work.  Quite a track record.

Being an advocate for long-term care, Lubera has always been three to reassure families. She goes the extra mile for resident’s too, Flanagan said.

“Lubera is a wonderful role model for other workers,” he added, noting that she has led by example and displays loyalty, caring, and consideration for her fellow 13 workers.

Later that afternoon, at a party organized by Harris Health Care North, Central Falls Mayor Lee M. Matthews, quickly popped into the facility to shake hands and exchange greetings with: Luber; Michael, her husband of 51 years; daughter Dera DiBenedetto and her three children Dana, Ashley, and Drew; friends; facility staff and residents.

The mayor left behind a mayoral proclamation, celebrating the certified nursing assistant’s achievement by declaring the day to be “Adele Lubera Day” in Central Falls.

At the facility gathering, Lubera, holding her engraved plaque, reflected on her long career as a nursing assistant.

The time just by so fast, she said.

“It is hard work, but I enjoy every day,” she said. “The residents are like family to me.”

Resident Anna Golembeski, 89, who has resided in the facility for 38 years, describes Luera as helpful, kind and caring.

“She has been so good to her residents that it is about time she was recognized for her efforts,” Golembeski said.

Adds Elizabeth Daily, 88, a resident in the facility for six years, “There isn’t a person here who doesn’t love Adele.”

Administrator Elizabeth A. Sarro, of Harris Health Care North, calls Lubera the unofficial Mayor of Central Falls. Lubera knows almost everyone in the one-mile radius community, Sarro says.

“Everyone in Central Falls knows of Adele’s loving work,” she said. “She is pretty close to being a saint.”

Charley Harris, who owns Harris Health Care North and two other skilled nursing facilities, believes that certified nursing assistants are the backbone of the care delivery in any nursing facility.

“It is time that certified nursing assistants are finally getting the recognition they deserve<” he said.

“Nursing facilities are having tremendous problems staffing their facilities, particularly with front-line caregivers,” RIHCA Executive Vice President Alfred Santos stated. “With turnover rates estimated to be as high as 100 percent, people like Adele – whose commitment to her residents remains strong year after year are worth their weight in gold.

“It is great to see her receive recognition for her dedication,” says Santos.