A Birmingham area nursing home continues to show high quality outcomes. And its residents are developing new activities to improve quality of life at the facility.
This is the second deficiency free health survey in a row for Birmingham Nursing & Rehab Center. This signifies that an inspection team from the Alabama Department of Public Health found that the facility met all of the federal government criteria for nursing homes.
“We are extremely pleased to achieve another deficiency free survey,” Birmingham Nursing & Rehab Center Executive Director Mattie Banks said. “Our caregivers work hard every day to make sure we meet the health and social needs of our residents.”
The facility is furthering its commitment to quality by participating in the federal government’s “Initiative to Reduce Avoidable Hospitalizations.” It is one of 23 Alabama nursing homes selected for the program by the Alabama Quality Assurance Foundation.
Residents Lead the Way for Quality of Life
While working towards better health care outcomes, Birmingham Nursing & Rehab Center is placing a new focus on quality of life by letting residents take the lead.
The facility’s new Summer Fun Fridays is an idea born out of National Nursing Home Week because everyone enjoyed the laughter and fun of that particular week.
The Resident Council, a group similar to a school’s student council, told the staff they enjoyed ending the week with a relaxed Friday. The residents also wanted activities during the week that would prepare them for fun on Friday. The residents even selected themes for each Summer Fun Friday, and asked for special menus on those days.
“We’ve found a best practice that allows our staff to be more relaxed on Friday,” Banks said. “Throughout the week, the staff and family assist by planning clothes and accessories for residents that match the theme.”
Some of the Summer Fun Fridays activities have been:
- Dancing under the gazebo featuring old fashioned, homemade ice cream and lemonade and a juke box playing 50-60s music.
- A photo opportunity for residents to take photos with their families and staff members. Some of the residents took glamour photos as well.
- A backyard grill and yard sale. The residents managed the yard sale from setting the prices to bartering with customers. The money raised was donated to support the Music Memory Ministry.
About Birmingham Nursing & Rehab Center:
Birmingham Nursing & Rehab Center is a 132-bed skilled nursing facility offering short-term rehabilitation and long term care. Mattie Banks is the Executive Director, and Brenda Elrod is the Director of Nursing.
Birmingham Nursing & Rehab staff members. From left to right Executive Director Mattie Banks, Unit Manager Cherri Sims, Unit Manager Joy McCullar, Unit Manager Brenda Latham and Director of Nursing Brenda Elrod.
