Kindred Mountain Valley receives awards from IHCA
Courtesy photo Maryruth Buter poses next to Peny Benson after Benson was awarded Kindred’s distinguished resident award. Benson was also given the same award from the Idaho Health Care Association.
Courtesy photo Lowann Smith shows off her award for volunteer of the year along with representatives from the Idaho Health Care Association.
Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation Mountain Valley recently received two awards from the Idaho Health Care Association.
Peny Benson received the “Distinguished Resident” award and Lowann Smith received the award for “Volunteer of the Year.”
The awards ceremony was this past week in Boise, Benson was unable to attend, but Smith was able to make it and was accompanied by several members of the Kindred organization.
Both were nominated by Emilee Kulin, Kindred activities coordinator, who had no problem gushing about the wonderful things both ladies bring to the facility in Kellogg.
“You can hear Lowann upon entrance,” Kulin said.
“She has and has always had the most bubbly, energetic presence.”
It’s hard to find something that Smith isn’t involved in at Kindred, as she has put her mark on everything from meals to even being a featured entertainer with her popular singing.
“She sings with the residents, including favorite song ‘You Are My Sunshine’, Kulin said.
“Lowann will even sit with residents before meals, listening to their life stories and she occasionally brings residents special treats and snacks.”
Smith seems to have service in her blood and it was finally recognized at this year’s awards ceremony.
Benson, the winner of the Distinguished Resident award, has been at Kindred for just a short time, but has made a big impact on every person she comes into contact with during her time there.
“At our facility, we have so many potential candidates who make a difference in the lives of others, but this year, Peny and her unbelievable positive attitude, unanimously won our hearts and votes,” Kulin said.
Smith had not planned on being a permanent resident at Kindred, but after moving into the facility in 2016, she discovered just how much she enjoyed it there.
“Peny’s initial plan was to do rehabilitation with our therapy department and transition home to community living,” Kulin said, “but after months of therapy, she decided this was her home and she would be far too lonely in her own environment. She will tell you that we are her family and she couldn’t leave us if she tried.”
Kindred Mountain Valley executive director Maryruth Butler was thrilled by her facilities representation at the awards.
“Lowan was so honored,” Butler said. “She was the highlight of the convention and even got a shout out from the band the night before at the restaurant we were eating at. It’s truly remarkable that she was a CNA here back when Mountain Valley’s door first opened and has remained a fixture of the facility ever since. We are lucky to have her and her service in our community for sure.”
Butler was disappointed that Benson could not attend and joked about the reason for her staying.
“Peny was sad to miss the awards banquet, but happy to remain under our great care,” Butler said. “With her dog, Joey, in her arms and her family around her, she needed to stay here to make sure we all stayed out of trouble.”