Nathaniel Witherell Achieves 5-Star Rating Again!
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Recognizes Stellar Performance of Witherell’s Short-Term Rehab and Skilled Nursing Center in Greenwich, CT
Because searching for a nursing home for a loved one can be a stressful experience full of questions and concerns about the care provided, it is welcome news when just such a facility receives a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which administers federal healthcare programs and sets quality standards. The Nathaniel Witherell, the short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing center owned by the Town of Greenwich, Conn., recently received the good news that it had again achieved the coveted rating, the highest that CMS confers, for the high level of services and care the Witherell affords its residents. The rating system takes into consideration health inspections, staffing, and quality measures in its evaluation.
This is the seventh consecutive year that the Witherell has earned the 5-star rating since 2008, the year that CMS adopted its rating system. Only 19% of the nation’s nursing homes receive such high marks. Nathaniel Witherell also was recently recognized as “one of the best nursing homes in Connecticut” by U.S. News & World Report.
Allen M. Brown, Executive Director of the Nathaniel Witherell, attributes the center’s recognition to its high quality of care, person-centered focus, and a staff turnover rate that is more than six times lower than the national nursing home average. The Witherell’s annual nursing staff turnover is 7%, compared to a national average of 46%, as reported by AARP.
“Many of our nurses have been with us 10 to 30 years. Because they are assigned consistently to the same residents and are not switched around, they develop close, long-term relationships, and are willing and able to provide the outstanding, compassionate care our residents require and deserve,” he explains.
In addition, Witherell is deeply committed to the philosophy of person centered care. This means that the care is respectful and responsive to residents’ preferences and needs, and that they and their families are involved in all clinical decisions. At Witherell, residents are involved in setting up their daily routines, including what time they eat and receive services. There is a calendar of events from which to choose, and, as there are no set visiting hours, family and pets are always welcome. Person centered at Witherell creates a positive environment for both residents and staff.
