Almost Christmas and we have lots of fresh snow to make it a very white one! The trees are covered with a fresh fluffy snow that sets off the beautiful grounds and morning sunrise. I have to figure out how to post pictures on here.
The Utica Observer Dispatch posted a story released Friday 12/19/08 that talked about the new "Star" ratings for nursing homes. The Star rating program is a federal program that comes out of their "Nursing Home Compare" web informational efforts. This really is a good basic tool and there is a link to it from our home site http://www.hardingnh.com The premise of the Star ratings is to make it similar to hotel type ratings based on survey results and patient care standards. A great idea that is tough to roll out and make consistent because of the non-standard way that surveyors interpret the guidelines. It's a good start and better than nothing, but will be improved over time. I am pleased to report we are a "3 Star" home! Doesn't sound all that impressive, but compared to others in central NY, we are doing Great!
The Fire Alarm upgrade is almost completed and the installation of sprinklers is making great progress. The sprinkler piping in the rooms does not look very homey. It looks kind of industrial. We will have to come up with some creative way to mute that stark orange pulmbing going through the rooms. Any ideas? Email me at rharding@hardingnh.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Still Waiting
Well... It's been almost a month now and no real report from the survey process. We know it was a "good" survey, but nothing is final yet. It takes awhile as it is formally written up and reviewed by everybody in the survey team as well as their administration.
On a happier note: Construction has started on a sprinkler system throughout the entire building. This is being done by abj Fire Protection Co. They are another part of the same company that is upgrading the fire alarm system. When this process is complete, we will have a state of the art fire detection system and a fully sprinklered building. Resident and staff safety and security will be enhanced from our already secure environment.
On a happier note: Construction has started on a sprinkler system throughout the entire building. This is being done by abj Fire Protection Co. They are another part of the same company that is upgrading the fire alarm system. When this process is complete, we will have a state of the art fire detection system and a fully sprinklered building. Resident and staff safety and security will be enhanced from our already secure environment.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
NY State Survey
We are currently undergoing a NY State Survey. This is a process where State employees from various disciplines, (Nursing,Dietary,Social Services,Environmental) come as a team to check the operation of the nursing home against State and Federal guidelines. They arrived on Wednesday 11/12/08 and "expect" to be finished sometime Monday or Tuesday the 17th or 18th.
This is an extensive review of nursing care plans, dietary services, administrative process, building and grounds. The focus is mainly on patient care and satisfaction. That is really a good thing, because that is what the care is all about, high quality of service and comfort for residents here. During the review the surveyors will examine charts and documents as well as interview residents and families. This process is repeated in every nursing home across the nation.
The fact that every State is doing this means that it is an ongoing effort to train the surveyors in every state and even within areas of the State to be consistent in how they interpret the regulations and how they "score" the facility. So.... the process has it's flaws, but it sure is better than having no oversight on how the State and Federal monies of Medicaid and Medicare are being used for services of value.
In other events, the Fire Alarm system is being upgraded to a state of the art detection and alarm system that will not only tell us what zone the problem is in, but exactly what room it is in. This will be an ongoing project for many weeks.
A group from the Elementary School visited residents on Wednesday that they have been writing to in a "Pen Pal" program. These young people were so dedicated that they WALKED from the elementary school to here and back for the visit. They had to walk because the school is saying they do not have the funds for operating buses to field trip events. What a shame.
This is an extensive review of nursing care plans, dietary services, administrative process, building and grounds. The focus is mainly on patient care and satisfaction. That is really a good thing, because that is what the care is all about, high quality of service and comfort for residents here. During the review the surveyors will examine charts and documents as well as interview residents and families. This process is repeated in every nursing home across the nation.
The fact that every State is doing this means that it is an ongoing effort to train the surveyors in every state and even within areas of the State to be consistent in how they interpret the regulations and how they "score" the facility. So.... the process has it's flaws, but it sure is better than having no oversight on how the State and Federal monies of Medicaid and Medicare are being used for services of value.
In other events, the Fire Alarm system is being upgraded to a state of the art detection and alarm system that will not only tell us what zone the problem is in, but exactly what room it is in. This will be an ongoing project for many weeks.
A group from the Elementary School visited residents on Wednesday that they have been writing to in a "Pen Pal" program. These young people were so dedicated that they WALKED from the elementary school to here and back for the visit. They had to walk because the school is saying they do not have the funds for operating buses to field trip events. What a shame.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Melting Snow
Wow !! Today the snow began melting in earnest. The early snow we had was very heavy and wet. Thousands of homes were without power for various lengths of time. As of Friday, only about 300 homes were still without power. Because of the elevation of Waterville, we were getting snow when others were getting rain. All this happened on Tuesday night and all day Wednesday. Our generator here kicked in a couple of times as they had to cut power to fix some lines. In general, the village of Waterville itself had continuous power.
So..... We have some minor flooding in the basement storage areas as the melting snow from the new roofing drains overpower the center courtyard area. No resident areas are affected and we are able to direct the melting water directly into a storm drain using temporary drain tubes. The long term fix will have to have more permanent drains installed to route the new drainage load from the roof.
So..... We have some minor flooding in the basement storage areas as the melting snow from the new roofing drains overpower the center courtyard area. No resident areas are affected and we are able to direct the melting water directly into a storm drain using temporary drain tubes. The long term fix will have to have more permanent drains installed to route the new drainage load from the roof.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Discovery Today
Found a great site today that came through on Google Alerts. I had set up a Google Alert for Harding and Nursing. The usual stuff that comes is about Harding's that died (obits) or things happening at Harding University college of Nursing. But this site is a great way to look for facilities all around the country and compare some key indicators. A really great feature is the linking into UTube videos on aging related issues. Hope this works as a link.
HARDING-NURSING-HOME
HARDING-NURSING-HOME
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Alzheimer's Program 10/22/08
An excellent educational forum on Alzheimer's disease was held last night at the nursing home. The presenter was Lisa Casler, FNP (a Family Nurse Practitioner with Bassett Health Services) She spoke on traditional and new practice in the treatment and management of Alzheimer's and other related dementias. We hope to be bringing more of this high caliber of education to the Waterville area.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Educational Program
Note that on October 22, 2008, at the Nursing Home (220 Tower St, Waterville, NY) we will be hosting an educational session on Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Options and Interventions. This will be presented by Lisa Casler, FNP with Bassett Health Services. You may call (315) 841-4156 to register or speak directly with Colleen Sullivan-Marris, Social Worker.
If you are concerned about someone in your family who may face Alzheimer's challenges now or in the future, or are just interested in learning more about this disease process please attend.
If you are concerned about someone in your family who may face Alzheimer's challenges now or in the future, or are just interested in learning more about this disease process please attend.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
First posting
This is the first of regular updates on what is going on at Harding Nursing Home in beautiful upstate New York. Waterville, NY is a great rural setting that offers family values, a close knit community and excellent support organizations (school, fire department, municipal services, skilled nursing home, new library etc. . All have many opportunities for volunteer service with your neighbors.
Check back for further updates. Always feel free to ask questions or post your views. If I don't know the answer, I'll do everything possible to find someone who does have the answer and have them help us both out.
Check back for further updates. Always feel free to ask questions or post your views. If I don't know the answer, I'll do everything possible to find someone who does have the answer and have them help us both out.
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