Too often the term “Nursing Home” is associated with poor care and poor conditions. That's a shame and a concern because Nursing Homes are among the most regulated of services, and hundreds of thousands of people across the country spend their work life trying to provide excellent care and personal attention to a highly vulnerable and frail population. It is tough, demanding work, which many lifecare communities perform with pride and respect.

Non-profit organizations understand that they are expected to go beyond minimum expectations and basic regulations so that public trust is earned on merit. The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) has established the “Quality First” initiative, whereby non-profit organizations that care for the elderly will seek to improve quality and performance as a matter of commitment and choice rather than as a response to regulation. Despite decreasing financial reimbursement from the government, non-profits have accepted the challenge to do their work differently and better.

By participating in this 5-year plan to achieve excellence in health care, quality facilities have committed to developing a comprehensive plan that addresses 7 areas of responsibility including:

1. Continuous quality improvement
2. Public disclosure and accountability
3. Consumer and family rights
4. Workforce excellence
5. Community involvement
6. Ethical practices
7. Financial integrity

Quality has been an important goal at many healthcare facilities even before the initiative was implemented. Keswick Pines, for example, a Lifecare Community with assisted living and nursing home in Ocean County, New Jersey, had already expanded their health care center for assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation and added a new Enrichment Center that provides a continuing emphasis on FRESH: Fitness, Recreation, Education, Spirituality and Health for independent residents. However, Quality First takes on new importance as quality care centers seek to support this national effort of non-profit homes to earn recognition for good care and the trust that is developed when residents and families are well served.

Clearly this is an exciting and demanding process, but ongoing improvement is what separates a great organization from a good one. The Quality First initiative is set in place to create a dynamic culture that challenges the staff and Board to use all of their physical, social, mental and spiritual gifts to achieve outstanding performance that serves residents and families very well both on their good days and bad days. Hopefully, in the near future, these efforts will lead the public to value and increasingly appreciate the work that is done each day at a Nursing Home.