Grand Oaks Assisted Living Residence was recently presented with the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award for its commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality care. The distinction is the first of three progressive award levels through the National Quality Award Program, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the leading association for long-term and post-acute care. The program honors association members across the country that demonstrate their dedication to improving quality of care for seniors and persons with disabilities.

“We’re honored to receive such a prestigious award,” says Laurie Henley, Executive Director of Grand Oaks. “Everything we do here at Grand Oaks, from our dining options to our care programs, focuses on improving the well-being of each resident. We take our commitment to quality very seriously and each team member, regardless of their position, embraces this commitment.”

The National Quality Award Program, established by AHCA/NCAL in 1996, is based on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, which also serves as the foundation for the metric-based AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative. The Baldrige framework helps organizations to improve effectiveness and achieve strategy-driven performance.

The Award Program consists of three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Providers begin the quality improvement process at the Bronze level, where they develop an organizational profile with essential performance elements such as vision, mission statement, and key strengths and challenges. Bronze applicants must also demonstrate their ability to implement a performance improvement system.

“The Bronze-Commitment to Quality Award is a wonderful achievement, but it’s just the beginning of our journey to providing the highest quality service we can provide,” says Jerry Price, Senior Vice President of Sibley Memorial Hospital. “Our main focus and priority are our residents and their quality of life. We strive to constantly review and improve our programs and services to ensure we’re providing the best care possible to our residents. We know that this dedication to our residents will earn us silver- and gold-level recognition in the coming years.”

The Grand Oaks interdisciplinary processes and resident-focused care programs set the community up for success in championing the core values of the National Quality Award Program. Grand Oaks’ nursing team, in coordination with the nurse practitioner and therapy team, monitor and care for residents on a regular basis. This personalized care helps the staff to implement effective clinical care and produce positive outcomes to help residents achieve and maintain their highest quality of life.

“I applaud Grand Oaks for taking this important step towards quality improvement,” said the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers Chair Alana Wolfe. “I encourage Grand Oaks to continue on its path to achieving superior outcomes.”

Each and every Grand Oaks resident enjoys the comfort and amenities of a gracious and hospitable home. The combination of a supportive and safe home-style environment and personal assistance amenities allows each resident to continue an independent lifestyle to help improve their quality of life.