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February 13, 2023 | Corporate

Cindy Meyer Named LeadingAge Minnesota Caregiver of the Year

Cindy Meyer, licensed practical nurse and team leader at Benedictine Living Community-Crookston, Minn., was named the 2023 Caregiver of the Year by LeadingAge Minnesota at the organization’s annual Institute & Expo.

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

“Cindy Meyer is a career caregiver, devoting the last 34 years to her residents and coworkers at Benedictine Living Community-Crookston,” says Kari Thurlow, president and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “Her nursing skills are unmatched, and she has innate sense of action during emergencies. She is equally skilled at clinical care, process improvement, and personal attention. In quieter moments, Cindy is often found kneeling next to an elder, giving the gift of listening to those in her care. “

Meyer started as a certified nursing assistant in skilled care, then earned her LPN while raising her family and working full time.  She is known for quickly recognizing changes in her assisted living tenants and notifying nurses, family and medical providers as needed.

“Cindy was instrumental in developing the many systems and processes that needed refinement in the early days,” said Lindsey Erdman, executive director, Benedictine Living Community-Crookston. “She continues to lead the charge as new standards, regulations and best practices unfold. We are so thankful she has shared her talents with us for so many decades; and continues to grow with our organization.”

The impact of Meyer’s compassionate caregiving has been felt most by residents and their families. “Cindy Meyer is the hands and heart of the loving care that my grandmother, mother, and father received at Villa St. Vincent/Benedictine Living,” said Janet Wall Denison. “Her smile, genuine warmth, hopeful, calming presence was a balm to my heart hundreds of times through the years.”

Meyer accepted the award at the LeadingAge Minnesota Institute, the state’s largest and most comprehensive aging services conference.

For more information, watch the video of 2023 LeadingAge MN Caregiver of the Year: https://youtu.be/jXiZf34xlKs.

Cindy Meyer accepted the Caregiver of the Year Award at the LeadingAge Minnesota Institute, the state’s largest and most comprehensive aging services conference. With Meyer is Jennifer Rutschke, Awards & Recognition Committee chair, Barbara Klick, Board chair, Lindsey Erdman, Benedictine Crookston executive director, Jerry Carley, Benedictine president/CEO, and Kari Thurlow, LeadingAge Minnesota president/CEO.