Jeremy Rutter, Heritage Chief Clinical Officer and Hearthstone Communities Executive Director, shared this month that Hearthstone Manor, a Heritage skilled nursing and rehabilitation community located in Woodstock, Illinois, was awarded an overall Five-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), according to the latest reports published by the federal agency. This rating is the highest any skilled nursing community can receive.
Created to “to help consumers, their families, and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily and to help identify areas about which [they] may want to ask questions,” the CMS rating system publishes reports on the Nursing Home Compare page at medicare.gov. The most recent ratings incorporate data reported through December 31, 2020.
Lisa Haglund, Heritage President and CEO, noted, “This CMS Five-Star rating is truly a reflection of the dedication of the entire team at Hearthstone. The work they do each day is heroic, but especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have worked tirelessly. During this difficult, and often stressful time, they and their families have sacrificed so that our residents can continue to receive the same compassionate care Hearthstone has always been known for.”
Rutter noted that to have a five star rating means that Hearthstone met or exceeded the recommended guidance in all areas, including adhering to executive orders that were put in place to keep their residents safe and healthy. “Through the creation and implementation of our own COVID-19 task force, Heritage has taken multiple steps to help prevent exposure directly tied to the recommendations and guidelines of the CDC, and state, local, and federal regulations, and we continually adjust these steps if those recommendations change. Through the proactive efforts of our staff working in conjunction with our COVID-19 task force, our goal continues to be for our residents to remain safe and well cared for.”
Haglund went on to address life at Hearthstone during the pandemic. Amidst the unprecedented events and regulations of COVID-19, residents and staff have found creative and unique ways to remain engaged and a part of their community. “We understand the frustration that COVID-19 mandates and restrictions have presented for our residents and loved ones over the past several months. The seniors that we serve deserve the very best from us, and our Heritage teams, from chaplaincy to activities and everyone in between, are committed to using love, imagination, innovation, and faith to find ways to encourage and provide hope in the midst of darkness, and we will continue to do so as we work to keep our residents safe and promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living,” she said.
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Heritage Ministries, the parent company of Hearthstone, was founded as the Orphanage and Homes of the Free Methodist Church in 1886 and has grown from its original campus in Gerry, NY, to six locations in New York, with additional affiliations across the United States. As a not-for-profit provider of senior care and housing, Heritage is a leader in the industry, employing approximately 1,500 team members, and serving over 2,500 individuals annually. With locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Washington, Heritage and its affiliates provide rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, independent retirement housing, and assisted living. In addition, childcare is provided at two campuses, allowing for intergenerational programs. For more information on Heritage Ministries, please visit www.heritage1886.org.