Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, D-Davis, will be recognized next week by the California Association for Health Services at Home as the Legislator of the Year for 2011.

The statewide association, representing more than 600 agencies providing home care, home health and hospice services, chose Yamada because of her leadership in the area of senior and disability rights and protections.

This is the first Legislator of the Year award given by the association in the past five years — a testament to what Yamada has accomplished during her time in the state Legislature.

“I am honored by this acknowledgement from CAHSAH,” Yamada said in a news release. “Their organization has been a key partner in advancing our aging and long-term care goals in the state Legislature. Aging in place with dignity is a right for every Californian.”

Yamada chairs the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long Term Care and is the author of Assembly Bill 899, which would require new minimum standards for private home care companies and caregivers.

She has been a strong proponent for in-home care, advocating for senior and disabled individuals to have the freedom and choice to live independently in their own homes.

“Mariko has dedicated her time in the California Assembly to being a voice for those who can be forgotten in the political process,” said Joseph Hafkenschiel, president of CAHSAH, in the news release.

“Her work to create stronger protections for seniors who need home care and her fight to protect critical supports and services make her a champion that CAHSAH is proud to honor.”

The award will be presented Tuesday during CAHSAH’s 2012 Home Care Lobby Day lunch at the Sheraton Grand in Sacramento.

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