Take a look at this CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR—Zuber Hussein

By Lisa Foss Olson  |  January 12, 2024  |  All members

Care Providers of Minnesota’s CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR Award honors a nursing aide who displays extraordinary skill in caring for individuals residing in a care setting. Zuber Hussein, a lead resident assistant at Brightondale Senior Community in New Brighton, is a very deserving recipient of this award! 

At the time of his nomination, Zuber had been working full time in Reflections memory care for almost four years. In fact, Zuber works more than full-time. Staff said if there is any need for coverage, Zuber will pick up a day shift or stay late into a night shift if needed. He works both floors confidently and knows all the residents like they are family. When you ask Zuber if he is working this weekend he says with a smile, “of course, you know where to find me, this is my home.”

Amy House, the executive director of Reflections for SilverCrest Properties feels that Zuber represents the mission of Reflections in so many ways: 

Residents are not only cared for, but engaged and happy when Zuber is there. He has also passed this culture on to the rest of the staff and everyone now knows simple ways to help the residents pass the time between activities and into the evening. Every afternoon when Zuber arrives, he gathers residents to fold cloth napkins for dinner and asks them to help him set the tables. When Zuber sees a resident coming down the hall, he extends his hand and waits for them to reach back and then holds it while he invites them to come have some coffee. Zuber will join in painting with a resident when he has a minute. He will come to me for advice if a resident is declining cares and he can’t figure it out. He knows it takes a village! He will also approach Nursing with better ways to help his team with time management by scheduling the showers differently. These moments may seem small, but it’s these details that give the residents an engaging and comfortable evening.

Tamba Ngewoh-Tana, the Resident Care Coordinator says: 

Zuber is the epitome of compassion, kindness, and a true leader. He is always willing to step in and help no matter the task. No job is too big or small for Zuber. He rises to the occasion every single time help is needed. 

One thing worth mentioning about Zuber is he always knows how to put a smile on each resident's face. He knows something special about each resident that will put a twinkle in their eyes I From dancing his native dances to being goofy, he's always coming up with ways to make his residents laugh!

Zuber was presented with the 2023 Caregiver of the Year Award at our annual convention this past November. Please take a quick look at what others have to say about this exceptional caregiver!

And, if you know someone like Zuber, please nominate them for a Care Providers of Minnesota 2024 Caregiver of the Year Award. Information on all our award categories will be available in early March. 


Lisa Foss Olson
Lisa Foss Olson  |  Director of Public Relations & Communications  |   lolson@careproviders.org  |  952-851-2483