Award Given To OC Alzheimer Association Family Services Manager

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — An Orange County Alzheimer's Association Family Service Manager and Long Beach resident Larissa Haiker has been awarded the January/February Oliver Halsell Care Award for demonstrating selflessness in her daily life.

Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary honors six dedicated individuals each year to recognize exceptional care that helps improve the lives and spirits of everyone they touch.

Haiker began her career with this nonprofit over six years ago as an intern when a close family member was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. After this life event, Haiker realized she had a calling to help others that are affected by this disease.

“Through Larissa’s years with the Association, it has become clear that her passion lies with those impacted by Alzheimer’s and related dementia, and building a dementia-capable community,” said Jennifer Mower, Director of Development at the Alzheimer’s Association. “Larissa oversees the Early Stage program, collaborates with community partners to ensure people know about these available free programs, teaches many of the classes, and provides individual and family consultations.”

Haiker was nominated by Mower, who praised her for the ongoing passion, dedication to the cause, and tireless efforts in helping those affected by Alzheimer’s.

“The work Larissa is doing is so important and we take great pride in honoring her for the exceptional work she is doing in our community,” said Ruth Velez, general manager of Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary. “Alzheimer’s disease is increasingly prevalent, particularly for women who also are more likely to be caregivers. At Fairhaven, we have been proud to be part of many Alzheimer’s walks over the years.”

In November 2019, Haiker will be recognized at the annual Oliver Halsell Care Awards banquet with five other local honorees. Additionally, Fairhaven will make a donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association. The program has been continuing since its introduction in 2012.

Fairhaven is accepting nominations for the remainder of 2019 to recognize more outstanding individuals whose kindness and dedication to serving others proves inspirational. Fairhaven’s Oliver Halsell Care Award winners are drawn from many fields including private care, hospice, social work, counseling, assisted living, medical providers, nursing, therapy, volunteer work and more. For more information and to nominate an outstanding resident, call 714-426-0444 or email haley@hkamarcom.com.

This award is a tribute to the founder of Fairhaven, Oliver Halsell, who founded Fairhaven in 1911 to provide a peaceful and comforting place for families to honor their loved ones.