Searching for an assisted living residence for a loved one can be challenging because such facilities are not nationally regulated. What’s more, not all obtain the same state licensures, nor do they have the same standard of care.
So it will come as good news to families in Westchester County that United Hebrew’s assisted living community was just recognized among America’s best: Willow Towers Assisted Living received the 2018 Bronze Quality Award from the American Health Care Association (ACHA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), a leading industry association for long-term and post-acute care.
Willow Towers is one of only four senior care providers in New York State — and the only assisted living facility — to receive the distinction this year (nationwide, just 531 organizations received the Bronze Award).
That means we are raising the bar for senior care in Westchester.
Led by Nora O’Brien, PT, DPT, the staff in our assisted living residences (both Willow Towers and Willow Gardens, both of which Dr. O’Brien oversees) worked so hard to enhance the quality of life for our residents. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to providing a superior assisted living experience.
Going for the Gold
Created in 1996, the National Quality Award Program is centered on the core values and criteria of the Baldridge Performance Excellence Program, which helps organizations among different industry sectors achieve best-in-class levels of performance. The program has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. At the Bronze level, providers 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. Trained Examiners review each Bronze application to determine if the center has met the demands of the criteria.
The recognition from our peers means we are performing well against national standards. But we’re not going to rest on our laurels! Dr. O’Brien and her team are already working on achieving performance levels that meet the Silver award criteria, and ultimately, the Gold.
We’re happy to say that this honor is the latest earned by our campus community: we also recently received the American College of Healthcare Administrators Eli Pick Facility Leadership award (for the third year in a row); the America’s Best for Extended Care Women’s Choice Award.
These awards and recognitions from our peers mean a lot, of course. But the real reward is hearing from our residents that they feel well-cared for in a community that feels like home.
