Rome Health earns 5-star nursing home rating

Rome Health’s Residential Health Care Facility (RHCF) earned the highest five-star national nursing home rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), according to the most recent report updated July 28.

The RHCF is one of only 24% of skilled nursing facilities nationally to receive an overall rating of 5-stars, which takes into consideration the facility’s performance on health inspections, staffing levels and quality of resident care measures.

“We are deeply grateful to our staff for the exceptional care that they provide each and every day to our residents,” said Director of Nursing Jon Vander Pyl. “Although the pandemic has challenged us in unprecedented ways, our staff never faltered in delivering the care that our residents deserved and needed, especially when they were isolated from their families and friends.”

According to Vander Pyl, the residents and staff have been overjoyed to be able to resume activities and outings. “We recently went on a field trip to the Boxing Hall of Fame. It was really heartwarming to see their reactions,” he said.

The RHCF, an 80-bed skilled nursing facility which is located on the hospital’s third floor, provides long-term care, as well as short-term rehab and respite care programs.

Rome Health’s nursing home has consistently earned recognition as a top performing nursing home. 

The RHCF is the only facility in Oneida County to be ranked among the top 20% of nursing homes statewide through the Nursing Home Quality Initiative (NHQI) for seven consecutive years, Vander Pyl noted. In addition, the RHCF was rated a Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report for short-term rehab for two consecutive years.

“Our staff takes great pride in providing exceptional care with compassion,” said RHCF Administrator Anthony Joseph. “Everyone from our CNAs, nurses, housekeepers, therapists, maintenance, social services, dietary, and activities departments play a part in achieving excellence and making this a special place for our residents and short-term rehabilitation patients.”