Plymouth Harbor's Smith Care Center Awarded Its Third Gold Seal!
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
HarborThe Light Plymouth Harbor's Smith Care Center awarded its third Gold Seal! What's Inside? -Bringing home the Governor's Gold Seal (p. 2) -Introducing a new yoga program in the Starr Memory Care Residence (p. 7) -A word from Jay Price, Plymouth Harbor Foundation Chair (p. 13) MARCH 2019 Bringing Home the Gold How Plymouth Harbor's Smith Care Center earned its third Governor's Gold Seal Award On January 2, Plymouth Harbor’s Smith Care Center was once again awarded the prestigious Governor’s Gold Seal Award, which recognizes Florida skilled nursing facilities that demonstrate excellence in long term care and facilitate the physical, social, and emotional well-being of its residents. The Gold Seal is awarded to only the top three or four percent of skilled nursing centers in Florida, and Plymouth Harbor is extremely proud to be considered in this top tier of skilled nursing facilities. In order for the Gold Seal application process to even begin, a facility must fall in the top 10 percent of those surveyed annually by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and must have a five-star rating from the State. These two ratings take a variety of factors into account including quality of care, administration, nutrition, and dignity. If a facility meets these requirements, which the Smith Care Center does, it is eligible to apply for the Gold Seal. The screening process begins with an initial phone interview with all the members of the Governor’s Gold Seal committee, a group of individuals with experience in long term care such as professors and industry professionals. Then, a committee member comes to tour the facility. On November 15, 2018, Dr. Kelly Smith, Director of Process Improvement for Opis Senior Services Group, arrived on site to examine our facility. For three hours, Dr. Smith toured Plymouth Harbor to determine that what we said on the phone was what was truly being practiced. She spoke at length with many residents and staff and was pleasantly surprised with the number of long- term employees we have. Dr. Smith’s parting words were particularly uplifting and emphasized the especially positive impact our staff has on the quality of life of our residents. “The caring, enthusiastic, and attentive staff are only a few of the reasons Plymouth Harbor deserves Gold Seal recognition,” said Dr. Smith. “We (committee members) all have pre-conceived notions and expectations of high quality when visiting a CCRC due to the clientele and their socioeconomic status. However, what you see at Plymouth Harbor has absolutely nothing to do with money and everything to do with heart.” 2 The third and final step in the process was to present in front of the entire Governor’s committee in Tampa. Harry Hobson, CEO, Joe Devore, Senior Vice President of Health Services, Karen Novak, Director of Nursing, and Gordon Okawa, Vice President of Marketing, were the team who represented the Smith Care Center. Plymouth Harbor was one of only three facilities to make it to this phase of the process. The review was a success and we were recommended to the Governor. A few weeks later, we received news that the Governor had accepted the Committee's recommendation and that our Gold Seal was en route to us. This is the third Gold Seal that our facility has received, the first being in 2011 and the second being in 2016. We are now Gold Seal certified until 2021 and have the plaque hanging proudly in our Smith Care Center. Throughout the review process, our Smith Care Center staff stood out to the committee as a key reason we received the Gold Seal. “I believe there is a direct correlation between the length of service of our staff and the quality of care we provide our residents,” said Joe Devore. “It's the Plymouth Harbor culture. People want to be a part of that.” Many members of the SCC staff have been here for over five years, which has allowed them the time to develop particular knowledge of our residents and their preferences, needs, and stories. When a family member comes to visit their loved one, they are often greeted with hugs from our staff. When they leave, they know that their loved one is in the hands of someone they trust. “It gives family a sense of comfort and relief to know that the people taking care of their parents are the same ones that have been for many years, a rare blessing in nursing facilities,” said Joe Devore. We work year-round to ensure our Smith Care Center is providing the high-quality care that we promise our residents and our community. The Gold Seal validates our hard work and our performance during the survey season, but that isn’t what it is really about. At the end of the day, it comes down to the people we have working to make it all possible. It’s about staff that knows what to do, and how to do it right. 3 EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH: Yaima Comas, Home Care Yaima Comas is a familiar face for many of us around Plymouth Harbor. She came to work here at Plymouth Harbor eight years ago, and has shown up each day since ready to go above and beyond. She is this month’s employee of the month and has most definitely earned this recognition. Yaima is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Home Care department. She is often the first face you see if you need to use the emergency call system, and is always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. “I love that I get to work so closely with the residents,” Yaima said. “I feel like I am making a positive impact in their lives.” Whether a resident needs assistance or just someone to listen, Yaima is that person. While working here full-time, Yaima is also working as a full- time student. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business through the State College of Florida (SCF) and plans to one day work as a financial advisor. Education is important to Yaima, and she is grateful to have found a work environment that supports her goals. “One thing that always strikes me is that every person here values education,” she said. “It puts pressure on you, because other people are working hard, too.” Yaima has been the recipient of two scholarships through Plymouth Harbor. In 2013, she received the first ever Jane T. Smiley scholarship, and in 2018 she received a Foundation scholarship. These two scholarships have helped Yaima fund her education. “Plymouth Harbor has been my support system while I work towards my degree,” Yaima said. “Leadership really believes in you.” The opportunity that these scholarships have provided Yaima have made a huge impact on her life, and she is grateful that Plymouth Harbor offers them to its employees. 4 ON THE BRINK OF EVERYTHING by Chaplain Dick Sparrow February 14, 1954 was the day it all began, or at least one part of it began. A group of "seekers" gathered in the Sarasota Women’s Club to explore the beginnings of a new church in this area – one with the authority and love of creating their own worship, calling their own minister, and defining their own statement of faith, while following the principles and teachings of Jesus. While they would become a United Church of Christ congregation in 1961, what was birthed at the Women’s Club in 1954 was a First Congregational Church – new for this area but old in other parts of the country as congregationalism came to these shores with the Pilgrims in 1620. From this quiet beginning, the First Congregational Church has grown in spirit and size, birthing a number of remarkable institutions and churches through its 65 years of mission and worship. On February 17, 2019, the congregation began the celebration of their 65th year "on the brink of everything" a phrase borrowed from Parker Palmer’s new book, On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity and Getting Old. An overflowing congregation began by celebrating the past and present with these words: For the group of people who gathered on February 14th, 1954 at the Women’s Club here in Sarasota planting seeds of this congregation. For the gift of $20,000 that purchased this five acre tract of land on which our prayers over the years have soaked and saturated the soul. For the 18 children who first attended Sunday School here in 1955 and for the children and youth who still gather on Sundays to learn about God’s love. For the faithful pastors: Dr. John Jockinsen, Dr. John Whitney MacNeil, Dr. John Thompson and Dr. John Syster who loving cared for this church. For vision to step out to build Plymouth Harbor, New College, Little Pilgrim Preschool, Orchard Place, Sarasota United for Responsible and Equity, Resurrection House, helping to found Venice United Church of Christ and St. Andrew United Church of Christ and countless other ventures. For a vital and vibrant ministry of music that is saturated into the woodwork. Preludes and postludes, anthems and hymns, guest instrumental, soloists and faithful choirs. For these amazing reasons and so many more, we kick off our 65th anniversary celebration. Alleluia. Alleluia and Amen! While we may never step inside this church, let us take a moment to give thanks for a faith body whose commitment to their community included this magnificent retirement community on Coon Key along the shores of Sarasota Bay. Congratulations and happy anniversary to Pastor Wes Bixby and members of the congregation of First Congregational United Church of Christ.