Phyllis Terbovich to Receive Caregiver of the Year Award

TOPEKA – LeadingAge Kansas will honor Phyllis Terbovich with the coveted Caregiver of the Year Award for her person-centered focus to caregiving at Schowalter Villa in Hesston, KS. The award will be presented to Terbovich as part of the Association’s Quality First Awards of Excellence program during their Policy and Leadership Conference on September 27, 2016 in Junction City, KS.

The award is bestowed upon a non-management caregiver who demonstrates remarkable commitment to the elders they serve. Terbovich’s commitment extends beyond serving elders to her coworkers and virtually everyone around her. Caregiving is her life’s calling.

Terbovich has served as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant for 31 years and brings a breath of fresh air to the entire organization. Her main focus is getting to know the residents she serves by asking questions and learning about them as individuals so she can serve them as she would her own family. She is able to instill this passion to other employees by the way she treats them through mentoring and training.

Phyllis Schrag a resident served by Terbovich said, “We are spoiled. She makes you feel like you are the most important person here. Often, residents will talk amongst themselves and say, ‘Isn’t it terrible that Phyllis is not at work today?’ when she has a day off. She knows what I like to wear, and knows my likes and dislikes. If I say I need something she will stop by the store and bring it to me the next day–even my favorite toothpaste.”

According to her nomination, the genuine acts of kindness and consideration are what make Phyllis an amazing caregiver—standing out from all the rest. She goes above and beyond what her job requires of her. Phyllis treats the residents and staff of Schowalter Villa like family. She never gives them less than her best, making sure every need is met no matter how big or small.

“Phyllis is the type of individual I would want to care for my family,” states Debra Zehr, LeadingAge Kansas president and CEO. “She is a shining example of what other caregivers should strive to be.”

The LeadingAge Kansas Quality First Awards of Excellence has honored outstanding volunteers, caregivers and innovative aging services providers for 26 years through a partnership with Central National Bank.

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