Quality First

In 2005, The Eddy committed to Quality First, a philosophy and framework for earning public trust in aging services developed by the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). An initial self-study of the strengths and opportunities for improvement at each facility resulted in the following key themes: the need for greater community involvement (through volunteer opportunities and community outreach); the opportunity to develop leading-edge care and services; and the need to provide more consumer-friendly information. In 2007, The Eddy began to further document performance in the areas identified by the Assuring Excellence in America's Nursing Homes program within Quality First.

During 2009, several of The Eddy's affiliates selected new focus areas within Quality First. Following are 3rd Quarter 2009 highlights:

Eddy Village Green

Continuous Quality Improvement: trialing use of high protein snacks and drinks to replace commercial supplements.
Human Resource Management: completion of two training series (13 days/each) of core Green House training for new staff; shabazim are mentoring new aides in the Green Houses.

Eddy Heritage House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Community Involvement: formed a team to participate in Memory Walk to support local Alzheiemer's Association.
Continuous Quality Improvement: participating in a Lean learning lab with Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital on intake of acute and subacute rehab patients; using new quality of life measures to improve care of dementia residents in the skilled nursing facility.

Beverwyck

Community Involvement: staff volunteered to assist with the 12th Annual Lifetime Achievement Ceremony at Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany honoring 49 seniors aged 85 years and older.
Continuous Quality Improvement: completed successful mini-Kaizen event to improve trash pick-up and recycling across the community.

Housing Divsion

Continuous Quality Improvement: division has established a Lean improvement sharing forum; a First Friday 5S program has been initiated and before/after photos shared; the use of standard work instructions by housekeepers is currently being reviewed.

Community Services Division

Human Resource Management: retention rates through 3rd quarter are EVNA clerical staff 69 percent; EVNA clinical staff 89 percent; EVNA management 90 percent; EVNA rehab staff 91 percent; Empire Home Infusion 69 percent; Northeast Home Medical Equipment 88 percent.