Under sunny skies and large live oak trees, citizens of Foley beamed with hometown pride. They told stories of how town leaders several decades before them had a vision of providing health care services to what was then a sleepy, small town.

An important part of that vision was a nursing home that opened in 1966 and is now known as Diversicare of Foley. Young and old were gathered to celebrate another milestone in history May 10. That was the day Diversicare of Foley received the Award of Excellence from Diversicare Healthcare Services, Inc. The award recognizes an elite group of skilled nursing care centers that achieved operational, clinical and overall performance excellence in 2017.

“We’re honored and thrilled to receive the Diversicare Award of Excellence, our company’s highest distinction,” Diversicare of Foley Administrator Tommy Herndon said. “Our time strives every day to live our mission: improve every life we touch by providing exceptional health care and exceeding expectations. We see confirmation each day in the eyes and words of our patients, residents and their loved ones.”

Winning the award is not easy. Diversicare Healthcare Services, Inc. operates 76 skilled nursing care centers spread across 10 states. Only six center, including the Foley location, received the Award of Excellence for 2017.

“It gives me great pleasure to celebrate this outstanding honor with Diversicare of Foley and the members of the community in which they serve,” Diversicare President and CEO Kelly Gill said. “Diversicare’s Award of Excellence recipients have proven their ability to continually meet and exceed expectations of care. Diversicare of Foley is a distinguished leader in our industry. The dedication and hard work of all of their team members is an inspiration to us all.”

According to Diversicare, the Foley center demonstrated visionary leadership, exemplified the company’s core values, achieved patient and resident-focused excellence, managed by innovation, focused on results and created value.

Diversicare of Foley joins Hartford Health Care (2014) and Lynwood Healthcare & Rehab Center (2015) as the three Alabama centers to win the Award of Excellence.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recognized the center’s achievement by issuing a commendation.

About Diversicare of Foley:

Diversicare of Foley is a 154-bed licensed skilled nursing care center. It offers physical, occupational and speech therapy, long-term care and specialized treatment for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.