After 30 years of hard work, Roseanne Bodeen was recently honored for her diligence at the Montana Health Care Association’s spring award ceremony in Helena. Bodeen was named the Certified Nurse Aide of the Year.

Bodeen is a CNA at Immanuel Lutheran Communities in Kalispell, working in the memory-support program.

The award is one of the association’s 2015 Commitment to Caring Awards, and was presented to Bodeen for displaying excellence in performing nursing duties.

But she remains humble.

“My colleagues entered my name, not me,” she laughed. “I’m honored to receive the award, but I would do my job the same way even if there was a diamond ring at the end of it.”

Immanuel Lutheran’s Director of Nursing, Christie Brown, had effusive praise for her employee.

“Roseanne has a knack for knowing what the residents need and seems to anticipate those needs, especially when working with those who are unable to communicate their wants and desires,” she said. “Roseanne’s ability to understand the needs and wants of those with dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s, is a gift to those she cares for. This natural ability allows her to serve as an advocate for both residents and families.”

Bodeen mentors staff as one of the longest-serving employees at the communities. She became certified a year ago to teach a dementia class to all the Immanuel Lutheran staff.

“I love my job and I love the people I take care of,” she said. “No matter what happens, I’m still going to be me and I’m still going to do my job.”

Immanuel Lutheran Communities is a not-for-profit organization offering residential living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation services and skilled nursing care in Kalispell.

Operating since 1957, Immanuel Lutheran remains committed to its philosophy of providing a faith-based environment to enrich the lives of older adults.  For more information, call 752-9622 or visit www.ilcorp.org.