Congratulations!! Natalie McFarland
Natalie McFarland RN, CDP, has been awarded the 2019 Certified Dementia Practitioner of the Year by the National Council of Certified Dementia
Practitioners. The NCCDP CDP of the Year award is recognized as one of the Nation's most prestigious awards in the field of Dementia care. This award provides both the nominator and the nominee the opportunity to be a catalyst that sets the standards for superb and outstanding dementia care.
Unlike other awards programs, the CDP of the Year Award recognizes the impact that the CDP has with the staff, as the use of their dementia education motivates their colleagues to set higher care goals with patient care. Additionally, the Certified Dementia Practitioner is able to meet the challenges of reaching beyond state and federal regulations regarding Dementia education and care. Through the nominees' excellence in Dementia care, the nominee inspires a lifelong passion for their colleagues' continued growth in patient care.
Natalie McFarland is the Executive Director of Terra Vista of Oakbrook Terrace, which is a part of the Lancaster Health Group. 5 years ago Natalie moved her family from outside of St.Louis, Mo. to the Chicago, IL area to be a part of the design and completion of Terra Vista. Her building is unique in its set up and Natalie "relishes creating new programs for the dementia residents. She sees a need and develops a program to address the resident's needs." Natalie has an attitude of "no resident is too complicated or difficult for her," and often has a resident in her office for companionship and encouraging them to participate. Montessori life stations have been developed around the center as a part of Natalie's need to provide a person-centered homelike environment for her residents.
Natalie received the CDP of the Year award in December at Terra Vista of Oakbrook. NCCDP's Chief Operating Officer, Lynn Biot Gordon, and President, Rhonda Brand, joined by Laura Zung, CEO of Lancaster and Terra Vista of Oakbrook Terrace; Moshe Bellows, Owner; Shael Bellows, Owner; Suzy Glowiak, State Senator; Paula Basta, Director for the Illinois Department on Aging; the Oakbrook Fire Department; and the staff of Terra Vista of Oakbrook, to present the CDP of the year award to McFarland.
The NCCDP would like to applaud the valued commitment of Natalie McFarland. Natalie "believes in a teamwork model, ensuring that all departments work together." She is dedicated to thinking outside the box. She has a lot of support and respect from her colleagues for her ability to give so much of herself, as well as to her residents, the families who entrust her staff, and her staff.
On behalf of the NCCDP, we applaud Natalie McFarland's achievement for surpassing minimum state and federal requirements for dementia care.
Natalie, we salute and congratulate you for your stellar achievement as the 2019 National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners CDP of the Year!
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