Local care professional goes the extra mile – literally – to win top care award
When her car broke down, Elitsa Stoyanova cycled to her clients instead, refusing to let it affect her care. Now, her dedication has earned her a prestigious Care Worker of the Year award.
Elitsa, who has worked for Right at Home Ilkley, Keighley & Skipton for over three years, received the Care Worker of the Year – Community Based Support award at the inaugural Bradford Care Association Awards, held on Thursday 5 November 2026.
With many clients in Ilkley and across the wider LS29 area, Elitsa has built strong relationships with the local people and families she supports. Her story is a perfect example of the compassion, commitment and professionalism she brings to her role every day, helping clients remain safe, independent and comfortable in their own homes.
Before joining the care sector, Elitsa worked in accounts earlier in her career. She has since found her passion in supporting people, bringing her dedication, attention to detail and strong work ethic into her role as a professional carer.
The awards evening was a double celebration for the local homecare provider, with Samuel Harrop also named Registered Manager of the Year – Community Based Support.
Paresh Mistry, Managing Director of Right at Home Ilkley, Keighley & Skipton, said: "We are hugely proud of Elitsa. Her award is thoroughly deserved and reflects the passion and commitment she brings to her role every day. The story of her cycling to clients when her car broke down really sums up Elitsa. She simply didn't want to let people down. That is the sort of dedication that makes such a difference to our clients and their families.
"Professional carers are at the heart of everything we do. They build relationships, provide reassurance and help people maintain their independence and quality of life. It is wonderful to see Elitsa's contribution recognised.
"To also see Samuel recognised as Registered Manager of the Year makes the occasion even more special. Both awards are a fantastic reflection of the people we have in our organisation, and we are incredibly proud of them."
The impact of the team's work is also reflected in the feedback received from clients and their families, with one family recently sharing: "We are hugely grateful for the care and support your team has provided over the years. It has meant a great deal to our family, and we have had some wonderful carers, who have enabled both our parents to live on into their 90’s."
It is this difference that motivates the team every day – helping people remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, maintaining their independence and giving families peace of mind.
The Bradford Care Association Awards brought together professionals and organisations from across the care sector to celebrate achievements and recognise the people making a difference to health and social care across the region.
Right at Home Ilkley, Keighley & Skipton provides personalised homecare and live-in care services across those three areas, helping people to remain independent and enjoy the best possible quality of life in the comfort of their own homes.
