ST. JAMES, Mo., Aug. 25, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Golden LivingCenter – St. James of St. James, Mo., has been recognized as a 2014 recipient of the Gold - Excellence in Quality National Quality Award presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) and the third Golden LivingCenter to have received the honor.
This is the first time a long term provider has had its facilities earn this prestigious award three years in a row. A ceremony honoring the recipients of this year's awards will be held at the AHCA/NCAL 65th Annual Convention and Exposition, Oct. 5-8, in Washington, D.C.
GLC – St. James is one of only six Skilled Nursing Facilities across the country to earn the distinguished award this year, and one of only 24 long term care centers to have ever received an award at this level since the inception of the National Quality Award program in 1996. Golden Living has earned a total of 335 AHCA/NCAL Bronze, Silver and Gold Quality Awards since the program started.
"This award recognizes the highest quality of care in our industry, which is a testament of the clinical and service excellence of our staff and all who support the operations of our facilities," said Neil Kurtz, M.D., President and CEO of Golden Living. "I congratulate the entire staff of GLC – St. James for earning this special distinction in recognition of their performance and commitment to quality," he continued.
"This award recognizes the dedication of our staff and all who have helped GLC – St. James continuously improve the quality of the care we provide. This award represents the highest care in our industry, and with or without these awards and honors, our team works together every day to positively impact patients' and residents' lives with the highest quality care we can provide," says Executive Director Renee Ridling. "When we found out our LivingCenter was a Gold recipient, the staff was both humbled and honored. It means a lot to us to be nationally recognized for the commitment we have to our patients, this community, and each other."
"The centers that have earned this award have not only demonstrated superior quality outcomes but inspire us all to continue to strive for excellence," said Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. "I am honored to congratulate Golden LivingCenter – St. James for their dedication and commitment to improving the lives of those who rely on our services every day."
"As we reflect on Golden Living's 50 years of service in this industry, it's our employees who have continuously enhanced the quality of our services and have reflected Golden Living's values in the results we achieve for our patients and residents," said Dr. Kurtz. "GLC – St. James' honor is the latest recognition of the outstanding care provided by Golden Living employees that underscores our commitment to excellence in the quality of our care we provide to the residents of the communities we serve," he said.
The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award program is based on the criteria of the nationally recognized Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. This progressive program, which encourages the continuous learning and development of long term and post-acute care facilities to achieve performance excellence, has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. At the Gold level, applicants must successfully address the Baldrige Health Care Criteria for Performance Excellence, which focus on the facility achieving a superior performance level in key operational, leadership, customer, and workforce areas.
As a recipient of the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award, GLC – St. James has earned a Bronze and Silver Award and addressed the Baldrige Health Care Criteria for Performance Excellence in its entirety.
About Golden Living (www.goldenliving.com)
Celebrating 50 Years of Service, Golden Living has cared for more than four million patients since 1964, and today is a national leader in providing skilled nursing and post-acute care. The Golden Living family of companies includes Golden LivingCenters, Aegis Therapies, AseraCare, and 360 Healthcare Staffing. There are 294 Golden LivingCenters in 21 states. Golden Living also offers assisted living services at more than 30 of its locations. In addition, the Golden Living companies provide services to more than 1,000 nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare organizations in 40 states and the District of Columbia. Collectively, the Golden Living family of companies has more than 40,000 employees who provide quality healthcare to more than 60,000 patients every day.
About American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (www.ahcancal.org)
The American Health Care Association and NationalCenter for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represent more than 12,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit www.ahca.org or www.ncal.org.
AHCA/NCAL previously announced the Bronze – Commitment to Quality and the Silver – Achievement in Quality recipients in May and June of this year. The National Quality Award Program is sponsored by AHCA/NCAL Associate Business Members My InnerView, by National Research Corporation and PointRight. My InnerView represents the true voice of nursing home and assisted living residents, families, and employees with the most insightful quality measurement solutions and satisfaction surveys in the healthcare continuum. PointRight is the recognized leader in data-driven analytics for health care and insurance. The recipient centers will be honored during the AHCA/NCAL's 65th Annual Convention and Exposition, October 5-8, 2014, in Washington, D.C.
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