Mercy Retirement and Care Center was recently honored with a visit by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (cms.hhs.gov) (CMS) Administrator Donald M. Berwick, M.D. Dr. Berwick chose to visit Mercy because of its leadership for culture change in Senior Care in California. Dr. Berwick spoke with residents and direct-care staff about their experience with the culture change initiative and met with the leaders of the Culture Change Coalition in California to discuss the progress of the movement across the state.
“Our members have been leaders in the California culture change movement,” noted Joanne Handy, President and CEO of Aging Services of California, the leading advocate for quality nonprofit senior living and care in the state. “That the administrator of CMS sees the value of culture change in nursing homes is a powerful shot in the arm, giving hope that the movement will accelerate under Dr. Berwick.”
Under the leadership of Sister Patricia Creedon, Mercy Retirement and Care Center has empowered direct-care staff and residents to manage the day-to-day schedules associated with resident care. Consistent assignments allow staff to routinely care for the same residents, enabling staff and residents to know each other better and to establish a relationship that enriches them both.
“We were very honored at Mercy to have Dr. Berwick visit our skilled nursing community. The CMS Region 9 (San Francisco) staff have long been supporters of culture change. We are hopeful that CMS under Dr. Berwick’s leadership will continue to move person-centered care forward to all nursing homes throughout the United States.” said Sr. Patty.
To read more about Dr. Berwick’s visit and the culture change initiative, go to http:/www.aging.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1144#agenda. For more information about skilled nursing at Mercy, please call 510.228.4032 or e-mail us at mercyinfo@eldercarealliance.org.
