A Step Above: Charles Hildenbrandt is a role model at MHS, making him the ideal Direct Caregiver Award winner

“Through the years, Charles has received numerous awards and recognition from Morningstar Living. He has been identified as Employee of the Month on numerous occasions for exceeding the expectations of residents, patients, family members and fellow team members. He won the Morningstar Living Employee of the Year award in 1995. In 2001 Charles was awarded Morningstar Living’s Customer Service Award. And in 2004, Charles received Morningstar Living’s Nursing Caregiver Award, a most prestigious award designed to recognize a caregiver who continuously raises the bar for excellence in providing direct care.”

Moravian Hall Square knew that, despite the numerous awards and accolades Charles Hildenbrandt has already won, LeadingAge Pennsylvania’s prestigious Direct Caregiver Award would just be icing on the cake. It would be a great way to truly honor him and remind him how great of a caregiver he truly is, and LeadingAge PA agreed.

That’s why, for 2024, they decided to award Hildenbrandt as Direct Caregiver of the year. He puts his heart and soul into his work each and every day, and he falls under the branch of providing “excellent clinical care and services, serving as a model of commitment to compassionate care.”

Hildenbrandt is the kind of worker who people look up to, and that is because he works so hard and cares so much. Plus, he does not do it for the awards and honors. Despite winning so many throughout the years, he could honestly do without them and he would be the same caregiver he is today.

“Throughout my career in nursing, I’ve had the opportunity to work with hundreds of CNAs and have never worked with a professional who is as devoted and committed to the seniors he serves as Charles Hildenbrandt,” Moravian Hall Square CNA Coordinator Kim Daniels said.

Every day, Hildenbrandt shows up to work with a smile on his face ready to help his residents. He treats them all with respect and compassion, and he also gets to know them on a personal level. For him, it is more than just a job or a career, but it is part of his lifestyle and who he is, and that is part of what makes him such a great caregiver.

What also makes Hildenbrandt a great caregiver is he knows boundaries. He has a heart for his residents, but he also knows how to not cross any lines.

“​Charles is very professional at all times, and he uses a person-centered approach to caregiving,” Morningstar Living Nursing Care Supervisor Rocio Hunt said. “He is patient, compassionate, and always willing to help anyone, at any time, in any neighborhood. He handles his work well independently, but he is also a strong team player, providing excellent care and service to MHS residents.”

Hildenbrandt is very much involved in the Morningstar Living community, but also the community in general. He is constantly serving others and finding ways to give back.

He is also the kind of person who leads by example. He is not just going to tell someone to do something, but he is going to show them how to do it right, and encourage them every step of the way as they take on the task themselves.

“Charles is a team leader, a mentor and a teacher,” Moravian Hall Square said. “He is called upon by Morningstar Living’s leadership team to train new hires, and he is the ‘go-to resource’ for any team member, resident, patient or family member who has a question, concern, or problem to be solved. He is always optimistic. There is nothing Charles will not do when asked to come to the aid of a fellow team member. Charles’ cooperative and positive attitude, together with the compassionate care he provides, make him an ideal role model for others to learn from and grow professionally.”

Hildenbrandt is not someone who is going to do his job half-heartedly, and he is certainly not going to do it with a frown on his face.

He is also repeatedly called the ‘go-to guy,’ as residents and colleagues alike can truly count on him.

“He is considered the ‘go-to guy,’” Daniels emphasized. “Residents, families and staff rely on him to help with any concerns or problems. Making a safe environment for our residents is one of his biggest priorities. He is very compassionate. One example is one of the residents missed her cat. He brought his in on his day off and let her hold his cat on her lap, which absolutely made her day.”

That’s just the kind of person Hildenbrandt is. He makes connections with the residents, and he also looks out for them. He genuinely cares about their wellbeing, their health and their safety, and it shows.

In fact, Hildenbrandt is constantly going the extra mile, and one would think it is because of how much he cares about MHS as a whole.

“Charles works hard and is always willing to help out in any situation,” Hunt said. “If I have any issues, he is often my ‘go-to’ person to get things resolved. He is professional, diligent, and goes above and beyond to assist in any way he can.”

Hildenbrandt can always be counted upon to help out and put in the extra effort, and that is why he is so beloved, appreciated and honored.

“Charles reports to work every day 30 to 45 minutes prior to the start of his work shift to receive updates from the prior shift on all the resident and patient needs, schedules, and activities for the day,” MHS said. “His attendance record is impeccable, demonstrating his reliability and commitment to the work he does. He often works beyond the hours of his scheduled shift to cover partial or full shifts for team members who are unable to report to work. And he fills in on his days off to ensure each of the three neighborhoods in the nursing home are fully staffed.”

It is that kind of selfless attitude that makes Hildenbrandt stand out. He is always willing to do what is best for everyone else first and foremost, as his number one priority at work is the community.

His communication skills are also apparently top notch, as Hunt said he has a professional demeanor and a calm and steady approach to every situation. That helps go a long way in making everyone feel comfortable and at home, and in making him a great team leader and member.

“He is committed to person-centered care and improving the resident’s quality of life,” Daniels said. “He has built very close relationships with our residents and families, and they have come to trust and love him. During the day, when I am on the floor, the residents will ask if Charles is here today. When I say, ‘Yes,’ I can see their eyes light up because they trust him and feel secure when he is there.”

The residents love him and the staff appreciates him, and that is why Hildenbrandt is the LeadingAge PA 2024 Direct Caregiver Award winner.