THE MANOR OF NORTHWEST DETROIT GRADUATES FROM FEDERAL WATCH LIST

CMS removed 154-bed facility from Special Focus Facility Program Guidance

DETROIT, MI May 28, 2008: The Manor of Northwest Detroit received notification from the State of Michigan Department of Community Health removing them from the Federal Watch List effective May 14, 2008.  The letter stated: “In accordance with S&C-08-02, significant improvement has been made.  Therefore, the Department of Community Health is removing the Manor of Northwest Detroit Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation as a Special Focus Facility.”

“We are pleased with this announcement, stated Advantage Management Group President, and co-owner, Reginald Hartsfield.  “When we acquired this facility in January 2007, we were aware that the facility had been placed on the Federal Watch List in March 2006.  Our commitment to quality nursing home care provides the impetus for us to target troubled facilities, and make the necessary changes to turn them around.  The Manor of Northwest Detroit administration and clinical teams worked hard over the past 17 months to improve clinical outcomes and patient care. We congratulate them on their success!”

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the State of Michigan visit nursing homes on a regular basis to determine if the nursing homes are providing the quality of care that Medicare and Medicaid requires.  These survey teams identify deficiencies in the quality of care that is provided.  They also identify any deficiencies in meeting CMS safety requirements.  When a nursing home has been found to have a pattern of serious deficiencies over a period of time, they will be placed on the Special Focus Facility (SFF) list. 

CMS requires that SFF nursing homes be visited by survey teams twice as frequently as other nursing homes.  If a nursing home has made significant improvements in quality of care, and those improvements continue over time, they will graduate from the program.

“Providing excellent quality of care for our residents is our number one priority”, stated co-owner, Kelsey Schwartz, RN. “After we acquired The Manor of Northwest Detroit, we assessed its strengths and began implementing new processes and new programs to begin the turn-around process.”

The Manor of Northwest Detroit underwent a clinical makeover: they brought in a new clinical team; collaborated with consultants; and launched a new dementia program entitled, The Sunshine Lounge.  In its 14^th month, The Sunshine Lounge includes enrichment activities for residents with dementia.  The program uses task oriented projects that reach into the procedural memories of the residents enabling the residents to participate in meaningful activities.  Other life enrichment programs include the small therapeutic group activities and aroma sensory stimulation.  These programs service approximately one-third of the facility’s residents on a daily basis improving the overall care of residents with dementia and improving their clinical outcomes.

The Manor of Northwest Detroit has invested in their community by being a sponsor to various community events including The City of Detroit’s Centenarian luncheon and booklet, and most recently, DMC’s Senior Day.  

“We are committed to being a good corporate citizen”, states The Manor of Northwest Detroit Administrator, Brenda Smith.  “Being an active member of our community keeps our residents involved and provides an opportunity for outreach”.

The Manor of Northwest Detroit delivers a range of specialized health care services including IV therapy, nutritional services, wound care management and hospice care, to more sub-acute services for residents who require complex rehabilitation following a knee or hip replacement surgery, stroke or debilitating illness.  All 154 beds are dually certified beds (certified for Medicare and Medicaid).  The following insurances are accepted: Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Alliance Plan (HAP), Great Lakes Health Plan, Total Healthcare, Molina, and Omnicare.

For more information, contact The Manor of Northwest Detroit Admission Office at (313) 273-8764 or www.themanors.net.

About Advantage Management Group (AMG)

Since 1991, Advantage Management Group (AMG), www.amgltc.com, has been the provider of choice for regulatory consulting, interim and operations management, and education to Long Term Care and Assisted Living facilities throughout the United States.  AMG owns and manages 6 skilled nursing facilities in the state of Michigan under The Manors brand: The Manor of Battle Creek, The Manor of Northwest Detroit, The Manor of Wayne Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, The Manor of Wayne Continuing Care Center, The Manor of Southgate, and The Samaritan Manor.  With a focus on quality care, unique resident programs, and positive clinical and financial outcomes, Advantage Management Group is working to change the face of long term nursing care from the traditional medical model to person-centered care.

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