December 18, 2017 - Los Angeles, CA – Windsor skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers throughout California and Arizona announced today their participation in Corporate Compliance and Ethics Week (CCEW). Developed by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics and the Health Care Compliance Association, CCEW provides the opportunity to roll-out new and updated compliance and ethics programs and policies, and reinforces employees’ compliance and ethics obligations.
CCEW is an extension of Windsor care centers’ ongoing compliance and ethics program, headed by Marissa Kirby, its Compliance Director. Windsor centers maintain a code of conduct that all employees are expected to follow and encourage employees to behave according to the highest standards of ethics. As a part of its efforts, select Windsor centers participated in a scavenger hunt that reinforced the Compliance Program, distributed “Make Good Choices” bracelets to team members, posted inspirational quotes and shared compliance and ethics tips each day.
“We were excited to have the facilities participate in Corporate Compliance and Ethics Week,” says Kirby. “Our focus was to raise awareness among the facility team members and to celebrate the compliance and ethics values we all work every day to uphold.”
Windsor conducts compliance and ethics education upon hire, and annually, for all employees.
The first Corporate Compliance and Ethics Week was held on May 22-28, 2005. This year marks the 13th CCEW annual celebration. Since 2005, CCEW has been celebrated by companies more than 2,000 times.
Joy Morales Becomes First Employee to Qualify for Windsor Nightingale Scholarship Program
Joy Morales, an LVN at Windsor Convalescent Hospital of North Long Beach, becomes the first Windsor employee to receive scholarship funding for continuing education through the Windsor Nightingale Scholarship program.
November 28, 2017 - Long Beach, CA - Johanna (Joy) Morales, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) at Windsor Convalescent Center of North Long Beach, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, became the first Windsor employee to qualify for the Windsor Nightingale Scholarship program. She will receive up to $10,000 towards her education to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Windsor recognizes that financial constraints often limit employees from pursuing licensure as a Registered Nurse. As an incentive to encourage employees to continue their education, Windsor created the Windsor Nightingale Scholarship Program. The program is designed to alleviate those constraints for outstanding employees who actively practice Windsor’s mission to consistently deliver high quality, person-centered care with dignity, respect, and trust. Through the Nightingale Program, qualified LVNs are sponsored to complete their RN education. Joy Morales is the first LVN to qualify for the scholarship.
“I had been thinking about going back to school for a long time, so this program is exactly what I needed,” says Morales. “I am very honored to be the first employee to be accepted. Everyone has been extremely supportive, and I wanted to thank my Administrator and Windsor for believing in me and for their constant support.”
To qualify for the program an employee must:
• Have a current, unencumbered LVN license;
• Have been employed full time at the facility in any capacity;
• Be an employee in good standing with excellent performance reviews;
Tim Lehner, Senior Vice President of Operations, shares his belief in Joy. “The fact that we have people as special as Joy working at Windsor is a testament to the level of care they strive to provide. We are honored that she selected to work at Windsor.”
Ms. Morales is studying at the Career Network Institute, in Orange, CA and will complete her RN certification in May, 2018.
Windsor wants to recognize the dedication of their employees and encourages qualified LVNs to participate in the Program. For more information, they should contact their Administrator.
Two Windsor Facilities Recognized at 2017 National Quality Award Ceremony & Celebration
Encanto Palms Assisted Living and Windsor Gardens Healthcare Center of Hayward receive the 2017 Bronze - Achievement in Quality Award at the annual National Quality Award Ceremony in Las Vegas, NV.
November 6, 2017 – Las Vegas, NV – Encanto Palms Assisted Living, an assisted living community located in Phoenix, AZ, and Windsor Gardens Healthcare Center of Hayward, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located in Hayward, CA, received the 2017 Bronze - Achievement in Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The ceremony took place at the annual National Quality Award Ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Implemented by AHCA/NCAL in 1996, the National Quality Award Program was created to recognize long-term care and post-acute providers across the nation that have demonstrated a commitment to providing and improving the quality of care for their residents.
“We congratulate this year’s Bronze award recipients and look forward to offering continued support and guidance on their journey to improve quality care,” said AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers Chair Alana Wolfe. “The dedication and focus on quality that each organization has shown garners recognition. It will serve their patients and residents well.”
The award program has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Providers begin the quality improvement process at the Bronze level, where they develop an organizational profile with fundamental performance elements such as vision and mission statements and key strengths and challenges. Bronze applicants must also demonstrate their ability to implement a performance improvement system.
“On behalf of our entire staff, we are honored to receive this prestigious recognition by AHCA/NCAL,” says Windsor Gardens of Hayward administrator George Chkhenkeli. “We live our mission daily that your loved one is somebody special who deserves the very best and who will be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.”
Encanto Palms administrator Charles Villafranca adds, “I am humbled by the great men and women who work tirelessly at Encanto Palms. They strive daily to provide our residents a safe, therapeutic and comfortable living environment in which to thrive.”
As recipients of this year’s Bronze award, Encanto Palms and Windsor Gardens of Hayward can now advance to meet the criteria required for the Silver - Achievement in Quality Award.
Windsor Gardens Healthcare Center of the Valley selected for 2017 Los Angeles Small Business Excellence Award
Windsor Gardens of the Valley has been selected for the 2017 Los Angeles Small Business Excellence Award in the Retirement Homes classification by the Los Angeles Small Business Excellence Award Program.
Los Angeles, CA - October 23, 2017 — Windsor Gardens Healthcare Center of the Valley, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located in North Hollywood, California has been selected by the Los Angeles Small Business Excellence Award Program to receive the 2017 Los Angeles Small Business Excellence Award in the Retirement Homes category.
The Los Angeles Small Business Excellence Awards was established to recognize the excellence of small businesses in Los Angeles. The organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and business advertising and marketing groups. They acknowldege organizations that have shown the ability to implement competitive programs and utilize best-practices to provide long-term value.”
“On behalf of the entire team at Windsor Gardens of the Valley, I am honored to receive the Los Angeles Small Business Excellence Award,” says Sherri Silverberg, administrator at Windsor Gardens of the Valley. “Every day, I strive to provide my residents with the best care possible along with a devoted and loving team of caregivers. This award belongs to all of us.”
Various sources of information are gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. Winners of the 2017 Los Angeles Small Business Excellence Award are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Los Angeles Small Business Excellence Award Program and data provided by third parties.
Windsor Facilities Engage S&F Management’s Newly Dually-Certified Compliance Director
32 Windsor facilities in California engage Marissa Kirby, Compliance Director at S&F Management Company, following her successful completion of the Certification in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) and Certification in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC) Examinations
Los Angeles, CA – Sept 12, 2017 – Windsor skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers throughout California recently engaged the services of S&F Management Company and its’ Compliance Director, Marissa Kirby, following her dual certification of both the Certifications in Healthcare Compliance and Healthcare Privacy Compliance Examinations, thus earning the “CHC” and “CHPC” designations.
Healthcare compliance is a relatively new industry that developed following the U.S. Government’s crackdown on Medicare fraud. Healthcare privacy compliance is an even newer sub-specialty.
Debbie Troklus, President of the Compliance Certification Board, notes, “The US government constantly updates the laws and regulations surrounding Medicare to ensure proper billing and to eliminate fraud. These new regulations demand professionals who both understand the new regulations and how to implement programs to ensure compliance within their companies.”
Compliance professionals are tasked with assuring that health care providers follow federal, state and local regulations maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive healthcare information. Recognizing this growing risk, Windsor facilities took a proactive stance in mitigating this risk by engaging the services of Kirby and S&F Management Company.
“With more than 20 years of experience in skilled nursing operations, I am excited to blend that knowledge with a specialty in compliance and privacy,” says Kirby. “As a dually-certified Compliance Director, I look forward to helping S&F Management minimize the risk of their Windsor clients in this extremely regulated industry.”
The CHC examination was released in June, 2000. Since that time, over 4,500 individuals have earned this professional credential.
Encanto Palms Assisted Living Awarded AHCA/NCAL 2017 Bronze National Quality Award
August 8, 2017 – Phoenix, AZ – Encanto Palms Assisted Living, an assisted living community located in Phoenix, Arizona, has earned the 2017 Bronze - Achievement in Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The program was created to recognize long-term care and post-acute providers across the nation that have demonstrated a commitment to providing and improving the quality of care for their residents.
Implemented by AHCA/NCAL in 1996, the National Quality Award Program is centered on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program which helps improve and achieve performance excellence.
“We congratulate this year’s Bronze award recipients and look forward to offering continued support and guidance on their journey to improve quality care,” said AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers Chair Alana Wolfe. “The dedication and focus on quality that each organization has shown garners recognition. It will serve their patients and residents well.”
The award program has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Providers begin the quality improvement process at the Bronze level, where they develop an organizational profile with fundamental performance elements such as vision and mission statements and key strengths and challenges. Bronze applicants must also demonstrate their ability to implement a performance improvement system.
“On behalf of the entire staff, I am honored that Encanto Palms has been recognized by AHCA/NCAL,” says administrator Charles Villafranca. “We strive daily to fulfill our mission of providing a safe, therapeutic and comfortable living environment in which our residents can thrive.”
As a recipient of this year’s Bronze award, Encanto Palms can now advance in developing approaches that meet the criteria required for the Silver - Achievement in Quality Award. The awards will be presented during AHCA/NCAL’s 68th Annual Convention and Exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 15-18, 2017.
Windsor El Camino Care Center Volunteers Help Sacramento Needy
July 11, 2017 – Sacramento, CA -
Employees and volunteers from Windsor El Camino Care Center, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located in Carmichael, California teamed up with Making a Change Sacramento, a local non-profit organization, to help Sacramento’s homeless.
Windsor El Camino volunteers assisted Making a Change Sacramento by serving prepared breakfast burritos, bagels, and cereal to persons in need at Carmichael Park. Additionally, El Camino staff had previously set up donation boxes in the front lobby in which staff, residents and visitors could donate clothing and food. Residents at the facility volunteered to sort and pack the clothing by size, and assembled hygiene bags. The clothing and hygiene bags were distributed at the event, while the food will be distributed to a local food pantry.
“We were so appreciative that the folks at Windsor El Camino participated in this special event,” says Making a Change Sacramento president Shaunda Henry. “They are all wonderful people with great hearts, and we hope to work with their volunteers again in the future.”
Windsor El Camino employees and residents volunteer monthly with a variety of charitable events and organizations, particularly helping the homeless and the needy.
Jeanne Laguna, the Director of Nursing at Windsor El Camino, organized the event. “My goal was to bring together two populations, the homeless and the elderly, in a way that would benefit them both,” says Laguna. “Aside from the homeless receiving food, clothing and personal items, they gained a sense of belonging and realized that there are people that love and care about them. The residents have gained a sense of purpose knowing they are a part of giving back to people in need and they are looking forward to more opportunities to help. I wanted to thank my amazing staff for helping make this possible.”
Windsor Palms Care Center of Artesia Completes First-Ever End-of-Life Certification Course
Windsor Palms Care Center of Artesia employees complete end-of-life training course provided by Tranquil Care Hospice.
June 12, 2016 – Artesia, CA - Windsor Palms Care Center of Artesia, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located in Artesia, California, recently completed a certification course for selected staff on end-of-life care, the first of its kind for a Windsor facility. The training was provided by Tranquil Care Hospice, a hospice organization based in Santa Monica, California.
The 4 week end-of-life training was specifically designed by Tranquil Care for the employees and staff of skilled nursing facilities. It was first offered to the staff of Windsor Palms, which included RN’s, LVN’s, CNA’s, Social Workers, and supervisory personnel. Upon completing the training, all employees received a formal certification from Tranquil Care.
“We are very proud to be the first facility to offer Tranquil Care Hospice’s end-of-life training,” says Windsor Palms’ administrator, James Hagar. “All of our attendees gained tremendous insight into end-of-life care which will help us become more sensitive and knowledgeable when faced with this difficult situation.”
The program includes:
- Examining personal attitudes toward death and dying.
- Managing Grief
- End-of-Life Choices and Resident Centered Care
- Understanding the different choices for end-of-life: Palliative Care, Comfort Care, Aggressive care
- Education for residents and caregivers in making choices for end-of-life that honors them.
- Recognizing symptoms of decline
“Tranquil Care Hospice is committed to providing education and support to our care partners,” says Allan G. Komarek, Ph.D., R.N., Administrator/Director of Patient Care Services at Tranquil Care Hospice. “Our hope is to roll-out this much-needed training to additional Windsor facilities in the future.”
Windsor Facilities Partner with American Homecare Health Services
May 2, 2017 – Los Angeles, CA – Windsor skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers recently announced a partnership with American Homecare, a 17 year-old home health care agency located in the San Fernando Valley. Windsor facilities and American Homecare share ownership and the addition of home health services further enhances the Windsor facilities’ commitment to provide ongoing patient services along the entire continuum of care.
Established in 2000, American Homecare provides skilled nursing care, home health aides, and a range of therapy services including occupational, physical and speech. At the time of the acquisition, American Homecare was providing these health care services to approximately 330 clients in the greater Los Angeles area.
Pursuing its mission to help patients become more functional and independent at home, American Homecare hired Reggie Rodriguez as the administrator. Reggie comes with over 30 years’ experience in respiratory care, home health care, and hospice.
“To me, the why behind what we do is the most important thing,” says Rodriguez. “That ‘why’ is to improve a patient’s health, to objectively improve their functionality and independence, and to reduce emergency room admissions. Teaching patients how to manage their health and understand their conditions is another big piece of the puzzle. I look forward to adding home health to Windsor centers’ continuum of care in the community.”
For more information, Mr. Rodriguez can be reached at 818-566-1020 or [email protected]
Four Windsor Facilities Receive Pinnacle Quality Insight 2017 Customer Experience Awards
April 19, 2017 – Los Angeles, CA – S&F Management Company, a provider of professional services to skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers throughout California, announced that four Windsor facilities received Pinnacle Quality Insight 2017 Customer Experience Awards.
By qualifying for the Pinnacle Customer Experience Award, these buildings have displayed a continued dedication to providing Best-in-Class senior healthcare services and have satisfied the rigorous demands of scoring in the top 15% of the nation across a 12-month average. Pinnacle clients have the opportunity to achieve this Best-in-Class distinction on a monthly basis in many categories designed to accurately reflect each resident’s experience.
“Of all the measures used to rate Windsor, the Pinnacle Customer Satisfaction survey is the one in which our staff takes the most pride,” says Nathan Alyeshmerni, administrator at Windsor Gardens Convalescent Hospital of Los Angeles. “The survey goes straight to the source and lets us know how we are performing in all areas of care.”
The four Windsor facilities that received the awards are:
- Windsor Gardens Convalescent Hospital of Los Angeles
- Windsor Skyline Care Center
- Windsor Convalescent Center of North Long Beach
- Windsor Hampton Care Center
“The staff at our facility always works hard to provide the best Quality of Care and Customer Services to our patients,” says Mike Hurtado, administrator at Windsor Convalescent Center of North Long Beach. “Pinnacle has enhanced our ability to obtain feedback to continually improve on our mission of focusing on the needs of each individual resident.”
Windsor Skyline Care Center Identified as Top Performer by the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA)
SALINAS, Calif. - March 14, 2017 - Windsor Skyline Care Center, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located in Salinas, CA, announced today that its administrator, Laurie Behrend, has been awarded the Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award by the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA).
The ACHCA selects winners of the Eli Pick Leadership award based on quality indicators, occupancy rates, and three years of survey data. Fewer than 9% of facilities nationwide qualify for the award.
“I am humbled to receive the Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award,” says Behrend. “However, while I am honored to be recognized by the ACHCA for my leadership, it takes a hard-working, dedicated team to provide the level of care that Windsor Skyline has been recognized for. I would like to thank everyone, my staff, residents & families for all they contribute to make receiving this award possible.”
Windsor Skyline and Behrend will receive the award at the ACHCA’s 51st Annual Convocation and Exposition in St. Louis, MO in April.
S&F Management Company Selects Emmi to Support Value-Based Care Initiatives
Emmi, a provider of interactive patient engagement solutions, was selected by S&F Management Company to support its Transitions of Care initiative.
________________________________________
January 27, 2017 – Los Angeles, CA – S&F Management Company, a provider of professional services to over 30 “Windsor” skilled nursing and assisted living communities throughout California, announced they have selected Emmi to support the facilities’ Transitions of Care initiative that provides an education portal to assist patients and their families in understanding their disease management process.
Emmi is a provider of interactive, technology-based patient solutions that is designed to support healthcare organizations’ care teams. Emmi combines an intimate understanding of patient needs with expertise in behavioral and educational science to successfully empower individuals to become owners of their own health and well-being.
Windsor communities across California began enhancing their transitional case management programs to better serve their patients and support value-based care initiatives. Windsor facilities have implemented Emmi’s products to create consistency in educating patients, enhance the effectiveness of their care teams, and to align all aspects of the transitional continuum of care.
“New, value-based care models have reinforced the Windsor facilities’ longstanding focus on quality,” says Tina Hecht, VP of Integrated Services for S&F Management Company. “They ensure patients, and their families, are confident about the care they receive. For the facilities, that means making relationships a priority and providing consistent information and communications to patients before, during and after they leave our care.”
Emmi is aligned with Windsor facilities’ goals of enhancing care transitions and uses a proprietary methodology to design empathetic and supportive content that inspires individuals to become active partners in their personal healthcare. Windsor facilities are able to prescribe and track programs, measure results, and provide greater support inside and outside the clinical care setting.
“By leveraging technology to extend the reach of the care teams,” says Hecht, “Emmi enhances the entire transition process. It enables the facilities to easily communicate information and engage with patients and families in a way that allows them to use, understand and take action on. This is a great win-win.”
Windsor Gardens of Los Angeles Awarded AHCA/NCAL 2016 Silver National Quality Award
Windsor Gardens Los Angeles one of 71 skilled nursing care facilities nationwide recognized for commitment to excellence and quality care.
________________________________________
September, 2016 - Los Angeles, CA - Windsor Gardens of Los Angeles, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, announced today they have earned the 2016 Silver - Achievement in Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The award is the second highest distinction possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The program was created to recognize long-term care and post-acute providers across the nation that have demonstrated a commitment to providing and improving the quality of care for their residents.
“It takes incredible dedication and passion to successfully apply the demands of the criteria,” said Chair of the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers Christine Boldt. “I applaud Windsor Gardens of Los Angeles for reaching this level and for its commitment to always improve.”
Based on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program challenges member providers to achieve performance excellence through three progressive levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The Silver level, which is awarded to only the top .5% performers, represents members that develop and demonstrate effective approaches that help improve performance and health care outcomes.
“The entire staff at Windsor Gardens of Los Angeles is committed to the philosophy that every resident feels safe, comfortable and completely satisfied,” says Windsor Gardens Administrator Nathan Alyeshmerni. “Their mission is to treat each resident as they would their own family.”
As a recipient of this year’s award, Windsor LA can now advance in developing approaches that meet the criteria required for the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award.
The awards will be presented to honorees on October 18 during AHCA/NCAL’s 67th Annual Convention & Expo in Nashville, Tennessee.
Windsor Gardens Healthcare Center of the Valley Participates in Groundbreaking Pilot Project “Music & Memory”
Windsor Gardens participates in groundbreaking pilot project to re-introduce residents to their favorite music to study the impact of music on quality of life
June 9, 2016 - North Hollywood, CA – In an effort to improve the quality of life for people suffering from dementia, Windsor Gardens Healthcare Center of the Valley is participating in a groundbreaking pilot project to re-introduce residents to their favorite, personalized music. The project, called Music & Memory, will study the impact of music on quality of life and determine if familiar tunes can reduce depression and the need for medication.
Launched in May, 2016, Windsor Gardens Healthcare Center of the Valley is the only skilled nursing facilities in the area participating in the program. The Music & Memory pilot project is initially being introduced to just 50 skilled nursing facilities in California (out of 1000+ California-based facilities). At the end of three years, 300 homes will be on the program, with approximately 4,500 nursing home residents listening to customized music playlists of their favorite music on a personal iPod.
“Valley chose to participate in Music & Memory to enhance the quality of life for our residents,” says Marissa Kirby, Administrator at Windsor Gardens. “It is our hope to achieve decreased behaviors, decreased use of antipsychotic medications and increased memory recall with our residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s and Dementia.”
The Music & Memory Project is a $1.4 million statewide program administered by the California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF), and funded from nursing home fines collected by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Researchers at the University of California, Davis are studying the impact of music on reducing antipsychotic medication for people with dementia and other cognitive disorders. The project is based on the work already underway in other states as part of the national Music and Memory Program based in New York, to help nursing home residents re-connect with the world through music-connected memories.
Windsor Gardens invites you to see this groundbreaking and life changing program in action. To speak with staff and families who have already experienced the impact of this program on their loved ones, contact Ms. Kirby at (818) 985-5990, or via email at [email protected] to schedule a visit.
COMMENT Suggestion & Feedback
Comments are closed.