Benedictine Living Community (BLC)-Crookston, formally known as Villa St. Vincent, is pleased to announce The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has rated our organization as a 5 STAR Facility. BLC-Crookston is a short-term rehabilitation, long-term residential, and specialized memory care community which also includes The SUMMIT Assisted Living. The BLC Campus, on the east side of town, is ever-evolving and enhancing care and services to best meet the needs of the local population.
Executive Director, Judy Hulst, a 41-year employee who started as an LPN Team Leader states, “The Five-Star Quality Rating System is a tool to help consumers, their families and caregivers evaluate nursing homes. We could not be more pleased. It is based on Department of Health Survey outcomes, staffing, and quality of care measures,” said Hulst. “Our team offers a large array of services so that people do not have to travel to find quality medical care, rehab services, and specialized memory care. We manage complex conditions and skilled services including peritoneal dialysis, wound management, and IV medication administration, to name just a few. Our Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists are busy every day treating and rehabbing our residents so as to attain a higher quality of life.”
Hulst goes on to discuss the difficult challenges when a person or their loved ones are faced with the question if a current living situation is appropriate for the health and safety of an individual. “Even beyond the 5 Star Rating program on www.medicare.gov, there are other VERY important factors that should also be part of the decision-making process.”
This includes information such as:
- Resident/family satisfaction data
- Infection prevention protocols
- Types of specialty care available
- Longevity of staff
- Rehabilitation success
- Experience in the senior care industry
- Workplace safety initiatives
- Community awards or recognition
- History of serving the local community.
Such questions can be discussed by setting up a visit with the nursing home, which includes time to talk in more depth with key staff and arrange a tour.
Admission Coordinator, Judith Meyer, LSW, states that often people, after a hospitalization, are seeking transitional care on a temporary basis to continue to recover from an acute illness, accident, or injury. “After they have regained strength and independence, they are able to return home,” said Meyer. “Do your research and ask the right questions, it can help you decide which living environment is right for you, your family, or a loved one. We are here to serve you.”
According to Meyer, beyond the therapy offered on-site, there are many benefits, including individualized care plans, nutritious meals, health and wellness programs, telehealth/telemed services, spiritual support, housekeeping/laundry services, enrichment/activity programs, and many other offerings. “Oftentimes, seniors and their families wish they’d made the move to a senior care community earlier, appreciating the quality care, security, and peace of mind such a move provides,” said Meyer. “Living Fully, Living Well is what we are about.”
