The Nathaniel Witherell was named among the top 8% of US skilled nursing home facilities to be recognized by US News & World Report as a Best Nursing Home for 2021-2022.
According to a press release, the Witherell earned the highest possible ranking for both its Short-term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care services and facilities. Of the 13,175 nursing homes and 13,500 short-term rehabilitation centers evaluated across the nation, just 1,063 and 1,651 respectively, were designated as ‘High Performing.’
“We are honored to again be ranked among the top nursing homes and short-term rehabilitation facilities in the country,” said John Mastronardi, Executive Director of The Nathaniel Witherell in the release. “This recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication, consistent high quality of care and compassion and kindness that our team gives to our short-term patients and long-term residents.”
Mr. Mastronardi credited two innovative programs: The Falls Reduction Program spearheaded by Edward Omondi, RN, BSN, MBA, Director of Nursing, which pinpoints times during the day when falls are most likely to happen – due to fatigue or confusion – and provides engaging activities tailored specifically to residents that provide the extra support they need. Second, the Respiratory Education Program, which significantly reduces admissions to the hospital by helping residents with issues like COPD, asthma, or pneumonia by providing them with the knowledge they need about caring for their respiratory issues.
“At the Witherell, we’re not just treating a condition, we’re supporting individuals who have reached a certain stage in their lives and require specialized care,” Mastronardi added. “Healthcare needs of older adults are complex, and individualized programs to support the well-being of the whole person is essential to keeping them safe, happy and healthy.”
This year the US News methodology included an emphasis on homes meeting certain standards of patient safety, which had the effect of limiting certain homes’ ability to achieve a ‘High-Performing’ rating. These standards included a minimum threshold for the staff COVID-19 vaccination rate, decreasing the overuse of antipsychotic drugs and frequent visits to the emergency department.
Homes that have below a 75% COVID-19 staff vaccination rate were not considered a leading facility. The Witherell’s staff vaccination rate is currently 98%.