Resident's Impact Earns her 2017 Resident of the Year Award

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Apr 27, 2017, 08:00 ET

WAYNE, Neb., April 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nebraska Assisted Living Association (NALA) awarded Gloryann Koester, a resident at Brookdale Wayne IL/AL, the 2017 NALA Resident of the Year Award at the Nebraska Nursing Facility Association/Nebraska Assisted Living Association (NNFA/NALA) Spring Convention Awards Banquet.

Gloryann Koester, a resident at Brookdale Wayne IL/AL, was awarded the Nebraska Assisted Living Association Resident of the Year

Koester has been a resident at Brookdale for over two years. During her professional career, she earned the distinguished title of National Sales Director Emeritus with Mary Kay cosmetics where she was responsible for fostering a confidence in people they may have never known they had. She's continued that mindset at her Brookdale home by creating positivity and fun in the community. Koester has developed the "Laughing Hats & Rusty Zippers" club where she and her daughter facilitate an activity each month. Residents come ready to work, play, clap, laugh and share a hug or two.

"Gloryann is very deserving of this honor," said Executive Director Sarah Peitz. "She's an inspiration to everyone she comes in contact with. Her beautiful smile and heart brightens everyone's day."

The NALA Resident of the Year Award is given in recognition of outstanding individuals who contribute to the well-being of fellow residents and help improve the quality of life in their communities in one or more of the following areas: resident and/or staff potential, overall impact on residents, residents' families and/or staff, role in activities and length and frequency of involvement in activities.

"Gloryann has impacted all of our lives," said Mara Lee, medication aide at Brookdale Wayne IL/AL. "She always makes me feel loved, no matter how she is feeling. She makes me rethink how I act and that if she can be positive, even in her circumstances, I can be positive and bring joy to others too."

As the winner of the 2017 NALA Resident of the Year Award, Koester was presented with a recognition plaque at the spring conference. The NNFA/NALA Spring Convention Awards Banquet was held on Wednesday, April 26, at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.

About Brookdale

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the leading operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions primarily within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, with approximately 1,055 communities in 47 states and the ability to serve approximately 103,000 residents as of December 31, 2016. Through its ancillary services program, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health and hospice services.

Contact: Heather Hunter, (615) 564-8622, [email protected]

SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living