Loren Navratil Recognized as Nebraska’s Resident of the Year
Three simple words that can do so much: please and thank you. Loren Navratil knows the significance of these words because he’s repeated them over and over to the compassionate care team at Brookestone of Papillion.
“Without those three words, there isn’t anything that you can really do,” said Navratil.
It’s this understanding of how to be grateful for each day that has earned Navratil the 2026 Nebraska Nursing Facility Association Resident of the Year Award. Navratil was presented with this prestigious honor at the annual convention for nursing and assisted living facilities in the state on August 19 in Kearney.
Before a crowd of hundreds who gave a rousing standing ovation, Navratil spoke on how he moved into Brookestone of Papillion for rehabilitation and how it changed his perspective on life.
“I was in a wheelchair for about two months and I learned a lot about humility, empathy for the residents in wheelchairs, how limiting it is, how confining it is, and how they have to rely on everybody else to give them anything.”
Navratil has created ways to get fellow residents involved and improve their quality of life as well as his own. It started with an idea from former administrator Ashley Walters that has developed into a morning tradition that the facility just can’t live without: Laps with Loren on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
“We play music and walk and talk and whoever wants to join in does…We play oldie goldies from the past, anything that is a pick-me-up type of music that gets your blood going,” said Navratil.
Through his devotion to religion, Navratil has inspired a group of residents to pray the rosary with him three times a week. This not only gives him a purpose but provides a form of fellowship and a way to fuel other residents’ faith.
“I say the rosary with them three times a week. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and we get between eight to ten residents there and sometimes more and sometimes less.”
Navratil leaves time in his day to deliver newspapers to residents, tend to the courtyard garden, and help with staff cookouts on the back patio. He even plays a pivotal role during holidays in our building, dressing up as the Easter Bunny, a leprechaun for St. Patrick’s Day and donning a spooky mask during our annual Trunk or Treats at Halloween time.
Overall, Navratil has become a sort of ambassador for Brookestone of Papillion by constantly supporting team members and residents alike, staying positive, and becoming, in his words, a “cheerleader” during activities of daily life.
He enjoys inviting family members who are touring the building into his own room, showing the home-like environment and serenity that can be found in our caring community. This allows the family members to feel peace of mind knowing that if their loved ones are to move in, they will be treated with dignity and respect and will receive quality care.
It’s this commitment to our community’s wellbeing that makes him so deserving of the Resident of the Year title. Congratulations, Loren! We are so proud of your achievements!
