Annalyne Muttai, licensed practical nurse in the Shalom Suites memory care area at Village Shalom, has been named recipient of the Allen and Gloria Block “Champion of Culture Change” Award for 2011.

Annalyne Muttai, recipient of Village Shalom’s Allen and Gloria Block “Champion of Culture Change” Award.

Allen (of blessed memory) and Gloria Block established the annual award in conjunction with the Menorah Legacy Foundation in 2008. It was created to recognize and reward an outstanding Village Shalom staff member who is dedicated to the concept of “culture change” and who exemplifies that philosophy in working with and caring for residents of the continuing-care retirement community.

“Culture change” in the long-term care industry is a national movement for the transformation of older-adult services based on person-directed values and practices in which the voices of elders and those working with them are considered and respected. Core person-directed values are choice, dignity, respect, self-determination and purposeful living.

Muttai has been a member of the Village Shalom staff since November 2004, beginning as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She took additional training as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), and then returned to school to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). In her current role at Village Shalom, she supervises five staff members and oversees the care of 24 residents in the memory-care area, collaborating with families, physicians and the entire health care team to ensure that all resident needs are met.

“Annalyne represents the true meaning of culture change,” said Tina Munger, Director of Nursing, in making the presentation. “She is an advocate for residents and their rights, and she motivates her staff to do the same. She frequently tells staff that we do things for the residents, not for our own convenience. Having gone from a CNA to CMA to LPN, she has really grown in her professional career at Village Shalom.”

Added Kelly Powell, Clinical Service Manager, “I have watched Annalyne expand her skills and knowledge from CNA to full-fledged nurse, and I am proud of how she has become an active advocate for residents who are memory impaired. She expects the same level of advocacy from her staff, and she truly inspires them.”

Muttai feels that Village Shalom has provided much encouragement in her professional development. “I was motivated by the other nurses” to go back to school, she said. “I feel so satisfied every day, because I know we have done everything we can to meet the residents’ needs. Everyone here wants to accomplish Village Shalom’s mission, and I feel very privileged to work here. It’s a good environment to work in.”

The “Champion of Culture Change” Award, presented each December, includes a monetary gift of $1,000 to the honoree.