Juniper Village at Aurora Scores Excellence for Third Time
Aurora, CO — How many times can an organization be rewarded for its excellence in care? One assisted living community is still finding out. Juniper Village at Aurora is going for the record when it comes to being recognized for its outstanding person-centered care, staff training, and programming in serving the memory-impaired.
For the third consecutive interval, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has awarded Juniper Village at Aurora its “Excellence in Care, Dementia Care Program of Distinction”. This status is considered the highest hallmark of recognition for long-term care communities offering services for the memory impaired. Juniper Village at Aurora has received it in 2009-2010; 2011-2013; and 2014-2016.
The team of reviewers from the AFA look to award the status to company that goes above and beyond every day expectations. Reviewers observe how the staff interacts with the residents, eye contact, voice and tone used. At minimum, 75% of the staff must be trained in the dementia care curriculum. There is also an evaluation scorecard that rates pain management, education for family and friends, quarterly in-service, observance of safety and security, and an activity program that meets need of residents.
“Receiving the designation reflects the dedication of Juniper’s staff to stay current with the skills they need to provide the best quality care to the residents. It’s also an affirmation that the programs we offer do nurture the spirit of the residents and keep them engaged in living,” expressed Jennifer Harris, Executive Director.
Juniper Village at Aurora provides a continuum of care to 52 residents with dementia. It is part of Juniper Communities, which owns and operates long-term care communities in Colorado, Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and offers a signature program called Alive in All Seasons that focuses on residents’ wellness in mind, body and spirit.
Juniper Village at Aurora was the first facility in the Southwest and the 13th in the nation to earn this distinction after meeting AFA’s set of comprehensive standards in 2009.
About Excellence in Care
Excellence in Care is a voluntary program designed for dementia care programs at assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, continuum of care residential communities and adult day programs. About 70 AFA-trained Excellence in Care specialists nationwide conduct on-site evaluations and work side-by-side with facilities to comply with the standards and for ongoing performance improvement. The rigorous evaluation includes assessing a setting’s physical environment, safety procedures, program activities, staff-client interaction and staff training. AFA developed Excellence in Care with input from the Avila Institute of Gerontology, an AFA member organization, as well as other AFA members, national organizations and industry experts. For more information, visit www.excellenceincare.org or call 866-AFA-8484.
About the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in New York and made up of more than 950 member organizations that provide hands-on programs to meet the educational, emotional, practical and social needs of families. AFA’s services include a toll-free hot line, counseling, educational materials, a free caregiver magazine, and professional training. For information, call 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.
About Juniper Communities
Juniper Communities founded in 1988 operates 18 long-term care communities in NJ, FL, PA and CO. Juniper is dedicated to Nurturing the Spirit of Life in each individual served and believes the keys to healthy aging are an active body, an engaged mind, and a fulfilled spirit. The company’s mission is to serve its stakeholders, residents, families, employee associates, and investors with excellence and strong dedication to the company’s hallmarks of quality, value and innovation. For more information on Juniper call (973) 661-8300 or visit www.junipercommunities.com.