Local Skilled Nursing Facilities Earn National Award for Quality Care

Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff Joins Area Caregivers to Celebrate Quality, Promote the Positive Images of Long Term Care

Kristen Knapp, APR, 850-701-3530

Over 100 caregivers from skilled nursing facilities (aka nursing homes) around the Broward and Palm Beach County areas were honored by (R-Ft. Lauderdale) today for their dedication and commitment to delivering high-quality, long term care to seniors. The Quality Care Celebration Event took place at and featured seven local facilities which earned the Debra Howe, President/CEO of Airamid Health Services, also accepted an award on behalf of the organization having 100 percent facility enrollment in the

“Skilled nursing facilities employ over 280,000 people in Florida who deliver high-quality care to more than 70,000 residents and patients each and every day," said Emmett Reed, executive Director of the , the state's first and largest advocate for Florida's skilled nursing/long term care providers and the residents under their care. "These caregivers matter, and today’s event is a celebration of the passion and commitment they bring to their residents and patients every day."

received the 2012 AHCA National Quality Award. During the event, Sen. Bogdanoff recognized these local facilities: in Boynton Beach, which earned the Silver Quality Award; Bronze Quality Awards recipients ; , Boca Raton; , Ft. Lauderdale; , Jupiter; Lakeside Health Center, West Palm Beach; and , West Palm Beach. The AHCA National Quality Award Program is centered on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program and consists of an entry level Bronze Award, a more rigorous Silver Award and a final Gold Award.

The Quality Care Celebration Event also promoted the positive images of long term care in Florida. FHCA President Scott Allen debuted as part of a web-based public relations campaign which featured first-hand testimonials from family members and conversations with caregivers showcasing the quality care in Florida’s skilled nursing facilities. “Today we are sending a message to everyone across the state of Florida that quality in Florida’s skilled nursing and long term care facilities is good,” said Scott Allen.

“This event is an important opportunity to show our community that we are more than just a noble profession. We are delivering compassionate, quality health care to those who need it most," said Debra Howe, President/CEO of , a West Palm Beach-based organization which manages 44 skilled nursing facilities and five assisted living facilities across the state of Florida.

(FHCA ) is a federation which serves nearly 1,000 members and represents over 500 long term care facilities that provide skilled nursing, post-acute and sub-acute care, short-term rehab, assisted living and other services to the frail elderly and individuals with disabilities in Florida. For more on FHCA, visit .