Recent retirees Elizabeth R. Algase and Robert Newbury, R.N. applauded for making a significant impact on quality of health care
Jewish Home is proud to share that two employees have been recognized as Health Care Heroes by Rochester Business Journal (RBJ) — in fact, a total of 19 Jewish Home employees have received this honor since 2018 across several categories. The annual RBJ Health Care Heroes awards, held this year on Feb. 27 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Rochester, honor the efforts of individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the quality of health care in the Rochester area.
Elizabeth R. Algase
Elizabeth R. Algase was recognized in the Senior Care category for her work as a dedicated and compassionate Admissions Specialist at Jewish Home. Supporting letters for her nomination stated that she exemplified the highest standards of support for older adults and their families. At the end of 2024, Algase retired from her celebrated career at Jewish Home.
She is credited with consistently demonstrating unwavering commitment to helping older adults transition into nursing home care. She provided detailed information and guidance, ensuring that families were well-informed and supported throughout the process. Algase is appreciated for her remarkable ability to help individuals cope with the sense of loss and the emotional burden that often accompanies the need for nursing home care, making families feel reassured that their loved ones will receive the care they need.
The wife of a resident said, “Beth helped me through what was the most overwhelming time of my life. She walked me through the complicated nursing home application process and made it easy to understand. She helped me prepare myself mentally, and she guided me every step of the way. I am so grateful to her.”
Robert Newbury, R.N.
Robert Newbury was recognized in the Nurse category for his work as a registered nurse at Jewish Home. At the end of 2024, Newbury retired from Jewish Home after 40 years of service as a skilled-nursing supervisor. Supporting testimonials in his nomination for the award called him the “rock of our facility,” who dedicated his career to giving dignity, purpose, and meaning to the lives of individuals in their final days.
As a supervisor, he ensured the night shift ran smoothly and the highest standards of care were upheld during what can often be the most challenging hours of resident needs. Newbury is known for his calm demeanor and his ability to handle crises with grace and efficiency, providing compassionate support and comfort to ensure residents feel valued, safe, and cared for during their most vulnerable moments.
He played an integral role in helping Jewish Home be among the first skilled nursing homes to become restraint-free in 1989, instead offering stimulating recreational therapy and increased interaction for the people he so lovingly cared for. Colleagues have noted that Newbury’s level of dedication and compassion is truly inspiring.
“On behalf of our Jewish Home residents and staff, we are incredibly grateful for the compassionate care these heroes provide to our residents, patients, and clients, as well as their families and caregivers,” said Michael S. King, Jewish Home president and CEO. “It’s a privilege to have them on our team providing high-quality care to the people we serve and an even greater honor to have them recognized in the community-at-large for the important work that they do.”
About Jewish Home:
For more than 100 years, Jewish Home has been helping older adults live their best lives. Guided by foundational principles, Jewish Home embraces the idea of home as a place where families gather, care for one another, and welcome all. Jewish Home offers all levels of care — from independent living to skilled nursing on their Rochester campus to a variety of services throughout the community. As the only Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Rochester, Jewish Home is proud to be recognized for quality care and customer satisfaction—earning CARF International accreditation, as well as being certified a Great Place to Work® since 2020. For more information visit JewishHomeRoc.org or @jewishhomeroc on social media.
###
