May 30, 2006

Lindie Newman

BIGFORK VALLEY NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

2006 Minnesota HomeCare Caregiver of the Year

Lindie Newman of Bigfork Valley Home Care was named the 2006 Minnesota HomeCare Caregiver of the Year at the Minnesota HomeCare Association annual meeting in Rochester on May 19.

The award recognizes a caregiver in the state who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to those entrusted to their care.

Newman, who serves the Togo, Minn. area, was nominated for her selfless attitude and compassion for her clients. Togo has less than 2.2 persons per square mile. It's not an area where help is close at hand, pointed out Laurie Pitzen, clinical coordinator of Bigfork Valley Home Care. Home health aides like Newman serve an important function in allowing seniors to remain at home.

Lindie Newman goes beyond a simple job description to become an understanding friend, said Pitzen. "She holds their hands, cries with them, celebrates with them and experiences life with them. If she sees a need she tries to fill it."

Newman's nomination was supported by letters from her clients. Lloyd Gerdes wrote a poem: "Like a piece of driftwood on the sea, may you never be alone like me….twice a week Home Care has you come to my home, now I am not always alone."

Reflecting the homemaking service that the aides do, Gerald Gilbert wrote that "She has made my house a comfortable home for me…she is like a daughter to me and the many things that she does for me are greatly appreciated."

Home Care staff also provide a variety of other services and help with everyday tasks. Medication set up, a visit to a grocery store, respite care, health education, a skilled nursing or physical therapist visit are some examples.

"We are very proud that Lindie was honored with this recognition," said Dan Odegaard, CEO of Bigfork Valley. "Lindie has been an exceptional role model for home care providers by going the extra mile to show her compassion for her clients." Bigfork Valley is a diversified health care campus in Bigfork, Minn., including a hospital, pharmacy, surgery center, on site medical and dental clinics, senior apartments, assisted living, long term care, home care and adult day stay. Bigfork Valley can be contacted at (218) 743-3177 or on the web at www.bigforkvalley.org.