The 104-bed long-term care facility rated 4.8 stars out of 5 overall and was rated a top nursing home in the magazine’s 2016-17 list as well.
“Kalkaska Memorial Health Center has consistently remained a top quality performer and it’s exciting that U.S. News recognizes our efforts,” said Renee Cunningham, M.S.N., R.N., C.D.O.N., director of the hospital’s long-term care. “This ranking shows how committed our staff members are to being the leader in providing quality care to our residents.”
To qualify as a Best Nursing Home, facilities had to earn an average of 4.5 stars or better during the 10 months of federal reports ending August 2017 and meet performance standards set by U.S. News during the period. U.S. News evaluated 15,215 nursing homes and just 15 percent met the criteria for Best Nursing Home.
As an Eden facility, Kalkaska Memorial’s Long-term Care honors each resident’s individual needs and encourages a home-like culture that involves care plans and goals for residents. As part of providing that culture, staff members are assigned to care for specific residents.
The facility also ensures ongoing training and education for staff so they stay current with all safety, nursing, and infection prevention practices.
“Our leadership values the importance of continuous education and measurement. This allows us to be on top of the latest advances in long-term care,” Cunningham said. “The residents and family members can be reassured when they come to stay with us that they will be served by staff members who value excellence.”
Nursing homes in the U.S. News ranking were evaluated on health inspection and complaints, staff, medical care quality measures, and fire safety.
The hospital’s long-term care includes a 60-bed legacy unit, 24-bed memory care unit, and two 10-bed Green House homes. Registered nurses are on duty every shift and personal care staff members are all certified nursing assistants.
In addition to the U.S. News recognition, Kalkaska Memorial’s Long-term Care also recently received a certificate of achievement for its quality from MPRO, a national health care quality improvement organization. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also rates the facility with a top five stars.
For more information on Kalkaska Memorial Health Center’s Long-term Care, go to munsonhealthcare.org/kmhclongtermcare.