Walnut Hills Nursing Home Ranks in the top 25 for family satisfaction
Kyle Valentini
January 26, 2011
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Walnut Hills Nursing Home at Walnut Creek ranked in the top 25 nursing facilities with an overall rating of 95.8 according to the Nursing Home Family Satisfaction Survey, released recently by the Ohio Department of Aging. Founded in 1971 by the Levi Troyer Family, Walnut Hills is still locally owned and operated as a non-profit with a board of directors.
In addition to the nursing home, Walnut Hills Campus offers The Meadows, an independent living community, The Commons, an independent living community featuring smaller efficiency homes, catered or assisted living at the retirement home, memory support and rehabilitation services.
Family members of Ohioans who live in nursing homes are generally satisfied with the care and service their loved ones receive there, according to the results of the 2010 Nursing Home Family Satisfaction Survey. The statewide average satisfaction score for facilities was 87.93 (out of a possible 100); 25 facilities scored 95.7 or better.
We strive to meet and exceed the expectations of our residents at Walnut Hills, but the expectation of the families is just as important, says Jeremy Kauffman, director of the facility. A lot of responsibility goes into meeting individual needs of residents and families. We do so because of our well trained staff and low turnover rate. Residents and families get to know our staff members and see them as a part of their family
Walnut Hills currently has 190 on staff with only a 9% turnover rate compared to a 35% turnover rate nationwide according to Kauffman. We pay attention to how long our staff members stay. We believe a happy staff makes for happy residents and families. When our staff members like their jobs, and keep in mind, some of these jobs are not for everyone, it shows in the quality of their work and how well they treat others. The people who work here want to work here
Kauffman says, This industry is defined by service. We hire people who have talent and personality. We are certified to train here as well and we make sure our current employees participate in that training. They are involved with decision making and help us to determine how well new employees are doing.
The family satisfaction survey was conducted between June and December 2010 by the Scripps Gerontology Center of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, on behalf of the Ohio Department of Aging. Nearly 30,000 family members and 931 facilities participated. Of the 711 participating facilities with statistically significant results, 375 scored above the state average, earning them an additional "quality point" in a reimbursement formula used by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Survey costs are supported by a fee charged to nursing homes by the state.
The survey asked family members their opinions on activities, administration, admission, choices, direct care and nursing, laundry, meals and dining, social services, therapy and general satisfaction. Researchers identified two key questions that sum up the respondent's perception of the home: "Overall, do you like this facility?" and "Would you recommend this facility to a family member or friend?" Sixteen facilities scored 100 on both questions.
This is not the first time we have ranked in the top 25 Nursing Home Family Satisfaction Survey. It always brings a sense of pride to the staff as we are continually serving new residents and their families, says Kauffman.
We will be celebrating this week with a special meal and door prizes for the staff and homemade ice cream for residents and their families. We want to thank the families for their openness and honesty and allowing us to rate so high in the survey, says Kauffman.
The most recent family satisfaction data complements 2009 resident satisfaction survey results on the sites. The department plans to survey resident satisfaction again in 2011.
