Striving to meet, and even exceed, the expectations of residents and their families is a top priority for Walnut Hills Retirement Community in Walnut Creek.
Being ranked as one of the top 35 nursing facilities in Ohio has provided affirmation that the Walnut Hills organization is making great strides in meeting those expectations.
The Walnut Hills Nursing Home was ranked No. 31 out of 955 nursing homes in Ohio when the Ohio Department of Aging released its Family Satisfaction Survey results for 2013. The survey results showed that families of residents at the Walnut Hills Nursing Home are very pleased with the quality of care their loved ones receive, giving Walnut Hills an overall satisfaction score of 93.47 percent, well above the statewide average of 85.6 percent.
The high satisfaction rate can be attributed, in part, to the implementation of person-centered care ideas and CROFT Values (Creativity, Respect, Openness, Fairness and Teamwork), which go hand-in-hand with the Walnut Hills vision statement of "leading the way in providing retirement services in Ohio, by continually improving our services -- offering choice and flexibility and finding a way to say yes."
"Each person who lives on our campus has unique talents, stories and passions," says Jeremy Kauffman, executive director. "A cookie cutter approach to care and services does not work. We need to let our residents and their families voice desires and preferences and then find a way to say yes."
Walnut Hills is saying "yes" to a major construction project on the 110-acre campus. A new $3.5 million rehab center will fill a significant need in the community for short-term rehabilitation. The new rehab center will have 20 private rooms, with private baths. The rehab gym will grow from 300 square feet to 2,800 square feet, providing ample space for in- and out-patient rehab -- including physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Groundbreaking took place May 15, with construction scheduled to be completed by fall 2014. The project will be completed debt-free, as all funds for the rehab center were raised through a "Transitioning Lives" capital campaign. "The short-term rehab program is growing, and the demand for our rehab services continues to rise," said Kauffman. "We are very excited to move forward with the new rehab center because we know that larger space, more equipment, and a better environment will allow us to be more effective."
As a Continuing Care Living Community (CCLC), Walnut Hills also offers many other lifestyle options on its campus.
Independent living homes at The Commons and The Meadows offer individuals choice and independence and give peace of mind that should health changes occur, they can get the care they need right on the same campus.
Catered living apartments and assisted living suites offer housekeeping, laundry, meals and assistance with daily activities.
The Memory Support Household provides assisted living for individuals with early to mid-stage Alzheimer's or dementia, and the nursing home offers skilled nursing care.
Walnut Hills was founded in 1971 by Levi and Lillis Troyer.
Walnut Hills is now a not-for-profit organization, is governed by a local board of directors and is an affiliate of Greencroft Communities Inc. of Goshen, Ind.
Walnut Hills, which is home to 270 people and employs 180 individuals, is located on Olde Pump Street, Walnut Creek.
For more information, call 330-893-3200 or visit the Walnut Hills website at WalnutHillsLiving.com.