Caregiver of the Year

Tanya Hasbargen
Lakewood Care Center

Karen Usiski, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with LakeWood Care Center in Baudette, Minnesota, has been named the Minnesota Health & Housing Alliance’s District A “Caregiver of the Year.”
This award is given annually to a direct care employee in each of MHHA’s seven geographic districts. The award honors individuals who go “above and beyond” to enhance and enrich the quality of life for seniors in their communities; who have demonstrated their commitment to Minnesota’s elderly; and have shown exceptional service to a MHHA-member facility and their residents.
She was honored on Thursday, February 10, 2005, at LakeWood Care Center in front of her co-workers and administration.
“Karen is an exceptional employee and a very competent nurse. I have great respect for the compassion and respect she shows our residents, their families, co-workers, and physicians,” commented SharRay Palm, President & CEO of LakeWood Health & Care Center.
Colleen Toebe, Director of Nursing at LakeWood Care Center, shared the application and the letters of recommendation that were submitted in supporting Karen for this honor. The application was submitted as follows:
Every morning, with a smile on her face, Karen greets residents as they awake and co-workers as they report for work. Her daily interactions reflect the care and concern she has for the elderly and the environment in which they live. She visits with them, always remaining calm and focused, letting the resident know she is sincere and wants to hear what they have to say.
She treats her others with respect, no matter what their background, position, or affiliation. This ability to serve and have compassion for all humans is a special gift, recognized and respected by those around her. She is always willing to take time to answer call lights, sit and visit with a resident during meal times, or anything else to help a co-worker or resident. She holds the needs of the residents above all else and staff recognize this dedication.
The elders describe Karen as someone that they can count on – always. Some have commented that she is the only one who can light a pipe the right way and that she is the best nurse with a razor on the whole wing. She will spend her day off with a resident, taking them to shoot pool. She buys treats for the residents and truly enjoys visiting with them.
This year, residents wanted a bird aviary. Karen encouraged the elders and staff to make it a reality. Staff helped with fundraising efforts, and in just a few months, the Resident Council raised over $5,000 to purchase it. Many would have only listened, not actually heard the request from the elders. The energy and excitement of the residents and staff are still felt within our facility as they enjoy the birds.
As her supervisor, I have watched her care for the dying and frail elder; holding their hand and making sure they are not alone in those last moments. Her tenderness and compassion are a true reflection of the spiritual value she holds for each individual’s life. Her focus remains on the person she has cared for and the needs of their loved ones,”
The commitment Karen has demonstrated over the years goes beyond the care and compassion she demonstrates to residents; she is a strong role model for the staff. With a 31-year career in long-term care, Karen continues to lead by example. She embraces change. She is interested in educational opportunities, from upgrades in computer programs to new quality initiatives. She reflects a “we-can-do-it” attitude and reminds that change is what has improved the quality of life and work in long-term care over the years. Her ability to positively influence the staff, to work with such a valued perspective of life, and to welcome change and the opportunity to do better, raises her above all others.
I believe she demonstrates an exceptional commitment to the elders at LakeWood Care Center on a daily basis. Her loyalty and dedicated service to the elders, their families, and her co-workers is shows in her actions and attitude. She is a constant reminder to those in this field, that the resident’s needs come first. She believes in being well educated to do a good job, and in turn, remain focused on the needs of the resident and their loved ones. She is a joy to work with and the residents and staff miss her on her days off.
Her personnel file is full of comments about her high standard of work performance and care, of high productivity, quality problem solving ability, and above all, the quality care and time she gives each resident. She is a true servant.
“The love and respect she has for others shows in the daily care and attention she gives them,” commented Toebe, “Everyone at LakeWood is proud of Karen and the work she does. She is a very deserving person.”
LakeWood Health & Care Center is a member of the Minnesota Health & Housing Alliance, a statewide association of over 580 not-for-profit nursing home and senior housing providers. MHHA members are dedicated to providing quality care and services to older Minnesotans and to helping older persons live as independently as possible.