CRESTVIEW — Debbie Montenaro says there's a reason that Shoal Creek Rehabilitation Center is among Governor’s Gold Seal Award recipients.
It all comes down to the staff, according to Montenaro, the long-term care and rehabilitation facility's executive director.
“It’s really you guys, working day in and day out with the residents," she said during the award's Oct. 21 presentation.
Programs such as Adopt a Resident and the Clipboard Program ensure Shoal Creek residents receive necessary attention and care, according to staffers. In the Adopt a Resident program, a staffer is assigned to a specific resident to meet his or her needs. The Clipboard Program uses daily updated information to guarantee care is consistent with wishes of residents’ physicians.
Montenaro, along with Tonya Zapetal, clinical services director, and Holly Adams, clinical services regional director, traveled to Tampa to give a presentation to the Agency for Health Care Administration when seeking recognition for this award.
Governor’s Gold Seal award winners must prove their long-term care facilities are in the top 15 percent of their region, or show they are in the top 10 percent of the state.
After being reviewed on everything from financial soundness to community and family outreach programs over the past 30 months, Shoal Creek was found a to be a “golden” facility.
The state's endorsement is significant, according to Liz Dudek, secretary of Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration.
“When a family makes the tough decision to place a loved one in a nursing home or long-term care facility, they need to know that they will receive quality care and be treated with dignity and respect they deserve,” she said.
Other Gold Seal recipients include Bridgeview Center, Ormond Beach; Brooksville Healthcare Center, Brooksville; The Chateau at Moorings Park, Naples; Concordia Manor, Saint Petersburg; Conway Lakes Health & Rehabilitation Center, Orlando; Highlands Lakes Center, Lakeland; Melbourne Terrace Rehabilitation Center, Melbourne; and Riverwood Center, Jacksonville.
Samuel Verghese, secretary of Florida's Department of Elder Affairs, said each received recognition due to its level of care.
“These Florida nursing homes have some of the best nurses and staff in the country that provide superb health care services to our seniors," said.
"Providing exceptional health care takes dedication and long hours, and I congratulate them all on this achievement.”
“These Florida nursing homes have some of the best nurses and staff in the country that provide superb health care services to our seniors." — Samuel Verghese, secretary of Florida's Department of Elder Affairs
'SOME OF THE BEST NURSES'
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview long-term care facility celebrates state award