Andrea Boedigheimer, Resident Assistant at Carondelet Village, Named Caregiver of the Year

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

Andrea Boedigheimer, Resident Assistant at Carondelet Village in Saint Paul, was recently named the Caregiver of the Year by LeadingAge Minnesota. Andrea received her award at last week’s Institute & Expo, accompanied by a standing ovation and a rousing round of applause from the nearly 2000 attendees that filled the room. 

The Caregiver of the Year Award honors individuals in older adult services who demonstrate exceptional commitment to older adults and enhance and enrich the quality of life of those in their care. Andrea was selected for the prestigious award out of a field of more than 60,000 professional caregivers in LeadingAge Minnesota’s membership.

“Andrea Boedigheimer lives a mission to provide person-centered care, services and support to those entrusted to her care. She has a true gift in her natural ability to develop relationships with residents and their families, and recognize each resident’s ability and level of need,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President & CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “A leader among her co-workers, Andrea mentors and inspires them to create a safe, compassionate environment that helps residents find a sense of comfort in their surroundings. It is our honor to recognize Andrea for her commitment, dedication and distinguished service to older adults.”

 

Picture (l to r): Gayle Kvenvold, President & CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota; Andrea Boedigheimer, Caregiver of the Year; Lindsay McLaughlin, Ourtreach Director of Health and Aging for Senator Tina Smith; Nancy Stratman, Board Chair, LeadingAge Minnesota. 

Andrea has worked in aging services for more than 30 years, and currently works as a Resident Assistant in the Arbor Lane Memory Care unit at Carondelet Village in Saint Paul.

“Andrea understands the intricacies of dementia and providing care to adults with memory impairment. She genuinely cares for each resident as an individual, and effortlessly steps into each individual reality to ensure each resident’s physical, emotional and physical needs are met,” said Megan Wubben, Resident Services Director, Carondelet Village. 

Throughout her career, Andrea has created an environment of teamwork and family.

“Andrea sets a great example of high performance, commitment and diligence in completing the work that needs to be done and helping her fellow team members see the little things that make each resident feel safe, loved and acknowledged,” said Jennifer Stebbins, Housing Counselor, Carondelet Village.

The impact of Andrea’s compassionate caregiving has been felt most by her residents and their families.

“Andrea’s presence in the lives of elders and all of their families is one of the greatest gifts we have been given,” said Holly Lindsay, a family member of a resident who resided in the Arbor Memory Care Unit. “Family is what Andrea creates among a group of people with memory loss. She is an outstanding caregiver that everyone deserves during this sometimes difficult time of life’s journey. We are inspired by her example.”

Andrea’s achievement was also recognized by U.S. Senator Tina Smith, who sent a letter of congratulations on this incredible recognition of service.

“After learning about your dedication to serving seniors in Minnesota, I can't imagine a more fitting recipient of the Caregiver of the Year Award,” wrote Senator Tina Smith. “Your over 30 years of commitment as a caregiver warrants the highest honor awarded to Minnesota caregivers who dedicate their lives and careers to serving older adults. It is not only the number of years you have dedicated to serving others, but also the way in which you have served, which merits this prestigious award.”

For more information, watch Andrea Boedigheimer – LeadingAge MN Caregiver of the Year.