Annette Riestenberg, RN, Honored with LeadingAge Minnesota’s ‘Caregiver of the Year’ Award

When Annette Riestenberg stepped onto the stage at the LeadingAge Minnesota annual conference, the applause told the story before the award did. After nearly four decades of caring for older adults at Perham Living, Annette was named LeadingAge Minnesota’s Caregiver of the Year — a statewide honor recognizing individuals whose compassion, dedication, and connection elevate the lives of seniors and their families.

For anyone who has worked with Annette, the recognition comes as no surprise.

A Career Rooted in Connection

Annette’s nearly 40-year career at Perham Living is defined by more than longevity — it is defined by heart. She has an extraordinary ability to see each resident as a whole person, honoring not just their needs, but their identities, their stories, and their humanity. Her approach is thoughtful, creative, and grounded in genuine relationship-building.

Perham Living Chief Continuum Officer Tracy Hendrickx, who nominated Annette for the award, described her perfectly: “Annette has dedicated her career to Perham Living, where she has been serving and advocating for residents since 1987. Her longevity alone is remarkable, but what truly sets her apart is her steadfast commitment to compassionate care. Annette consistently goes above and beyond, checking in on residents evenings, weekends, and holidays, simply to ensure their well-being. Her devotion is not bound by schedules or job descriptions; it is part of who she is.”

A Lifeline for Families in Difficult Moments

One of the most powerful nomination letters came from the daughter of a resident who entered Pine Harbor during a difficult transition. She described the fear, grief, and responsibility she felt as she made the heart-wrenching decision to move her mother into a nursing home.

“As an only child, I carried the weight of every decision alone,” she wrote. “I prayed for someone who could care for my mom and guide me through this transition and remind me I wasn’t alone. I could never have imagined that the answer to those prayers would be Annette.”

From the very first day, Annette approached the family not with intake forms or medical checklists, but with genuine curiosity. Instead of beginning with questions about symptoms or medications, Annette asked about who her mom was — her routines, what she enjoyed, her career, her family. She wanted to know the person, not just the patient.

That family went on to share story after story of Annette’s care — her gentle guidance, her unwavering presence, and the trust she built simply by showing up, again and again, in the moments that mattered most.

The daughter closed her letter with words that capture Annette’s spirit beautifully:

“I hope this letter gives you even a glimpse of Annette’s professionalism, kindness, compassion, and grace. For my mom, she was a source of comfort; for me, a pillar of strength. But more than that, Annette was the answer to a prayer — whose impact will echo in our hearts forever.”

A Mentor, a Leader, and the Teammate Everyone Turned To

Annette’s impact extends far beyond resident care. She has long been one of those teammates who quietly shape the culture of an entire organization.

One colleague wrote:

“Annette has been asked to serve on numerous committees and teams, participates in interviews, and teaches others about wound care because of her skill and precision. Her work has included patient care, medication passes, assisting residents as we shifted to our person-centered model of care, coming in on weekends to check on staff and residents, participating in care conferences, and managing the never-ending changes in paperwork. Many of us have heard the phrase, ‘Ask Annette,’ or left notes for her, knowing she will always find the right answer.”

But what her coworkers may remember most isn’t just her expertise — it’s her kindness.

“Annette is generous with her coworkers. Beyond sharing her knowledge and teaching new skills, she brightens our days by bringing in homemade cookies, bars, and chocolate ‘because we need chocolate today.’ She truly cares about both residents and staff.”

Annette has been a caregiver, a mentor, a guide, and sometimes, simply the warm, steady presence that made a hard day better.

Celebrating a Legacy of Compassion

Annette’s recognition as Caregiver of the Year reflects not only the work she has done, but the lives she has changed. Her legacy will continue in every resident she cared for, every coworker she supported, and every family she helped navigate an unfamiliar journey with grace.

Please join us in celebrating Annette for this extraordinary honor — and for the many years she devoted to making Perham Living a place of comfort, community, and genuine human connection.