Julie Fuchs, Belgrade Nursing Home, Named Caregiver of the Year

Posted on February 14, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

Julie Fuchs, an LPN with Belgrade Nursing Home, was named Caregiver of the Year at last week’s LeadingAge Minnesota Institute & Expo.  

The Caregiver of the Year Award honors an individual in older adult services who demonstrates exceptional commitment to older adults and enhances and enriches the quality of life of those they serve. Fuchs was selected for the award out of a field of more than 50,000 professional caregivers in the LeadingAge Minnesota membership. 

“Our Caregiver of the Year award recognizes someone who selflessly serves older adults, providing them with quality care and support to enable them to live their lives with meaning, dignity and purpose,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President & CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “Julie Fuchs is most deserving of this recognition. She has positively influenced the lives of those she serves and her fellow caregivers. Her compassion and commitment to person-centered care, family support and her fellow team members epitomizes what it means to be a caregiver.” 

Board Chair Mark Anderson, Julie Fuchs, and President/CEO Gayle Kvenvold

Fuchs has served as the night nurse at Belgrade Nursing Home for eight years. In that time, she has been responsible for implementing changes that have resulted in greater quality of life for those who reside there. These changes include a falls prevention program and a program that has increased the level of uninterrupted sleep for the residents. 

“Julie’s strength is her ability to know what our residents need, and then implementing policies, procedures and training to help improve the lives of those we serve,” said Marlene Groetsch, RN and Director of Nursing, Belgrade Nursing Home. “Julie puts the residents first in her work and builds a close bond with family members to ensure everyone is comfortable with the level of care and support being provided to their loved ones.” 

Fuchs is also a dedicated team member, who often serves as a mentor for new employees and supports them as they balance their professional careers and personal lives. She can be relied on to pick up extra shifts and duties to ensure the needs of the residents are being met. 

 “Julie leads with confidence, compassion and patience. She focuses on the whole person and helps educate residents about their care choices and respects their choices in care,” said Michelle Williams, a nursing assistant, Belgrade Nursing Home. 

For more information, watch Julie Fuchs: Caregiver of the Year.