Katelyn Reichow, Friendship Village CNA, Receives Coveted National Dementia Award

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

Katelyn Reichow, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Friendship Village in Bloomington was named the 2018 CNA of the Year by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP).  

Katelyn, who received her award at a surprise ceremony on Tuesday at Friendship Village, was chosen from hundreds of nominees nationwide. 

“We’re incredibly proud and honored to work with someone as caring and compassionate as Katelyn,” said Jennifer Bever, Administrator, Friendship Village. “Not only does she possess the skills and knowledge, but she approaches her work with dignity and respect that exemplifies what health care is all about.” 

Reichow has worked in memory care at Friendship Village for four years, where she’s a caregiver to residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. She’s also a trained medication assistant and is currently pursuing a registered nursing degree at Normandale Community College. 

“Katelyn’s award speaks volumes about our team’s commitment to quality care for seniors,” said David Miller, Executive Director, Friendship Village. “We’re thankful for her contributions to our community and the difference she continues to make in the lives of our residents.” 

The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, which was formed in 2001 and serves more than 200,0000 members, promotes standards of excellence in dementia and Alzheimer's disease education to caregivers. The CNA of the Year Awards Program honors outstanding health professionals who are Certified Dementia Practitioners® in good standing, have met the state criteria to hold their certification, and provide exemplary services to the most vulnerable older Americans.