Rideout receives state accolades for efforts in health care

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    PATTEN — Carolyn “Kay” Rideout of the Mountain Heights Health Care Facility has been recognized at the state level for her contributions in the field of long-term health care.
    Rideout, a ward clerk at Mountain Heights, was one of only four people in the state to receive two separate awards for her work.
    The two awards Rideout received were the Maine Health Care Association’s Celebrating Excellence in Caregiving Program; and the Maine Long Term Care Ombudsman Program’s Annual Excellence in Long Term Care Awards Event. 
    “Kay was one of 12 people recognized by the Maine Health Care Association award and she was one of 18 for the Ombudsman Program,” said Rebecca Boone, social services director for Mountain Heights.
    “Initially, I was very surprised.” Rideout said.
Contributed photo
MEETING THE GOVERNOR — Carolyn “Kay” Rideout of Mountain Heights Health Care Facility has been recognized at the state level for her contributions in the field of long-term health care. For her award, Rideout met Governor Paul LePage in Augusta.
    “Kay had no idea that I nominated her until we received confirmation from both MHCA and the Ombudsman Program that she was a recipient of each award,” Boone added. “I can attest to the fact that Kay was taken aback when we told her about these honors.  Her response exemplifies just how humble she is.”
    Rideout attended a ceremony in Augusta on Sept. 13 at the Civic Center to receive the MHCA award.  The honorable Anne LePage was in attendance to present the awards that day. She then attended a ceremony at the Blaine House to meet both Governor and Mrs. LePage on Sept. 21 for the Ombudsman award.
    “The nomination criteria for both awards indicated that the nominee needed to display actions that promoted resident quality of life and resident rights,” Boone said. “The nominee also needed to serve as a role model for other employees in this field.”
    Rideout began her employment with MHHCF in 1987 as a certified nursing assistant before transitioning to her current position of ward clerk. This work experience gave her an inside empathy for the needs of its current nursing staff. When organizing the schedule was one of her job responsibilities, she devoted her attention to create a fair and balanced schedule for everyone. Also since being ward clerk, she has developed a system for organizing closed charts that continues to earn praise from state surveyors.
    As the first person people encounter when they enter MHHCF, Rideout’s perpetual smile and warm voice exemplifies the heart of our facility. Rideout has served as ward clerk for the past 10 years, and has played an instrumental role in the day-to-day functioning at MHHCF.
    When not at the nurse’s station answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, or filing paperwork, Rideout can be found sharing kind words of encouragement with residents or being a sounding board for her fellow co-workers.
    “Anyone who engages in a conversation with Kay quickly realizes that she gives her full, undivided attention,” Boone said. “Even if it is as simple as asking how you are doing, she genuinely cares about your response. She makes each and every person who walks through our doors feel welcomed and at home.”
    “I have been here almost 24 years and I thoroughly love my job and interacting with fellow employees as well as the residents,” Rideout added. “Working at MHHCF has given me an insight and awareness of the care and understanding involved with working with residents in long term care. I really enjoy it here and I feel appreciative of being recognized by my peers.”