Falkner named Indiana Caregiver of the Year
JULIE POLLOCK ELLIOTT PHOTO
Manderley Administrator Monica Ogden, who nominated Falkner, was called to the front to share a few words in response to Falkner being named a recipient of the award while the IHCA video crew recorded. Resident, Ed Scott, is pictured watching the surprise unfold. In the background, team members of IHCA who arrived to surprise Falkner were (L-R): Lori Davenport, Director of Regulatory & Clinical Affairs; Erin Weliver, Director of Finance & Administration; Katy Quigley, Director of Membership; and Elizabeth Eichhorn, Director of Reimbursement Policy & Payor Affairs.
What began as an ordinary workday quickly became one Megan Falkner will never forget.
The 36-year-old Versailles resident and Certified Nursing Assistant at Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood was left speechless after coworkers, administrators and representatives from the Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA) surprised her with the news that she had been selected as one of Indiana’s 2026 Caregiver of the Year recipients. Only three are selected in the state of Indiana.
“I was so nervous and didn’t really know what was going on,” Falkner recalled. “I was absolutely shocked and speechless. I didn’t really process it all until that night when I got home.”
For someone who prefers staying out of the spotlight, the unexpected recognition was overwhelming. “I’m not a person who likes to be the center of attention,” she said. “I really didn’t know what to say other than, ‘Thank you.'”
What Falkner didn’t know was that Manderley Health Care Administrator Monica Ogden had quietly nominated her months earlier without her knowledge. Nor did she know that she was the first nomination Monica had ever sent in for the award.
“I had no idea Monica had put in the nomination,”Falkner said. “I absolutely adore Monica. She tells me I remind her of herself when she was a CNA years ago. She’s an amazing administrator who goes above and beyond for her residents, and I think that’s why we get along so well.”
According to her nomination, Falkner was selected for more than 15 years of compassionate service as a CNA. The nomination praised her professionalism, patience and commitment to treating every resident with dignity and respect while consistently going beyond her assigned duties.
Monica’s nomination highlighted the relationships she has built with residents and families, her willingness to mentor new employees, her dedication to continuing her education through Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) certification and the countless small acts of kindness that have become part of her daily routine.
Among those examples were helping residents style their hair with braids, bows and buns, making sure they always have tissues in their pockets, encouraging residents to dress in fresh clothes each day and personally participating in activities alongside them.
The Manderley Health Care Administrator also described Falkner as the first to step forward whenever help is needed, saying she often encourages coworkers by simply telling them, “Come on, I will help you get this completed.”
While those gestures may seem small, Falkner says caring for residents has never been about completing tasks.
“My favorite part of being a CNA is listening to the residents’ stories and hearing them talk about their lives,” she said. “Sometimes residents just need someone to talk to.”
She admits one of the hardest parts of her job is watching some residents spend days without visitors.
“I see families come in and hardly ever come back, and it’s honestly heartbreaking,” she said. “Those are the residents I get extra close to because I know they only have me and the other CNAs or nurses.”
To Falkner, every resident becomes family. “I care about and love every one of them,” she said. “Each one definitely has a special place in my heart.”
One resident, in particular, has created a memories she says she’ll never forget. Every morning, Falkner brings the resident a cup of hot chocolate. “The resident always thinks I’ll get into trouble for giving it to her,” Falkner said with a smile. “So I tell her it’s our little secret and no one will know where she got it. She smiles every time and promises she won’t tell anyone.”
Whether assigned to that hallway or not, Falkner makes time to stop in. “Every day that I work, I visit with her and make sure she has her hot chocolate,” she said. “That little lady and her family have a special place in my heart.”
Originally a Dearborn County native, Falkner’s employment at Manderley began 7 years ago. There was a time where she had to make a change of employment due to unforeseen situations but ended up back at Manderley where she is surrounded by residents that became family.
Outside of work, she is the mother of five children — Hayden, 18; Hunter, 15; Holden, 13; Harlee, 10; and Hudson, 9. Falkner’s significant other, Rodney, also works at Manderley as the facility’s maintenance supervisor.
The recognition doesn’t end with the surprise celebration. Falkner will officially receive the Caregiver of the Year Award during the Indiana Health Care Association/Indiana Center for Assisted Living Annual Convention and Expo in Indianapolis this August, where a video highlighting her work will be shown before she accepts the award. The video crew was on site Friday morning to record the special surprise on which also included an interview with Megan and others at the health care facility.
Although the recognition celebrates one caregiver, those who know Falkner say it reflects the compassion she quietly demonstrates every day — one conversation, one reassuring smile and, sometimes, one cup of hot chocolate at a time.
