Light of Hearts Villa receives deficiency-free survey from Ohio Department of Health

Monday, January 29, 2024

Tags: Light of Hearts Villa , health care

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Light of Hearts Villa received zero deficiencies during its annual state survey in December from the Ohio Department of Health, which is an accomplishment that is difficult to attain in the highly regulated world of assisted living. A deficiency-free or zero-deficiency survey means that the community was operating in total compliance with state regulations regarding the care to residents, services provided and overall environment. Each year, all assisted living communities in Ohio are surveyed to ensure they are providing a safe environment for all residents.

"We are incredibly proud and honored to announce that our community has achieved a deficiency-free survey. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our dedicated staff, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure the highest standards of care and service for our residents. It is a reflection of the passion, teamwork and dedication that define our community," said Breanne Cavileer, Ligth of Hearts Villa executive director. "We are grateful for the trust our residents and their families place in us, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a safe, nurturing and enriching environment for all. This achievement is a collective success, and we look forward to continuing our pursuit of excellence in senior living."

The fundamental value of any senior living community lies in its ability to provide a safe and top quality living experience for residents. Because providing these services to seniors is so important, each state is responsible for evaluating how well senior living communities operating within their geographical area comply with regulations regarding quality of care.

Additionally, for a senior living community to become and retain its status as a certified Medicare and Medicaid provider, it must satisfactorily pass a compliance evaluation each year. A highly favorable result of that state compliance survey is to receive a deficiency-free designation.

What is a Deficiency-Free Rating?
When a senior living community has earned a deficiency-free designation, it has accomplished a goal that is difficult to attain. This rating means that a community operates in total compliance with state and federal regulations in the key areas of resident care, services and staffing regulations. A deficiency-free status illustrates that a community is highly dedicated to providing the very best services available for its residents.

How is a Deficiency Free Designation Granted?
The criteria for earning a deficiency-free rating is quite complex, but the key evaluation areas can be summed up in these categories:

Quality of Care
Determining the quality of care for residents regarding adequate hydration, nutrition, medication distribution, wound prevention and care, as well as assistance with the activities of daily living all play a key role in earning a deficiency-free rating.

Quality of Life
A community’s ability to provide an outstanding quality of life for its residents is vitally important. State evaluations are done to determine how well the community is doing in the areas of accommodating residents’ needs, creating a home like atmosphere that values respect and dignity, as well as providing meaningful social and recreational activities.

Community Practices
In this category, a community is assessed for its ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate resident care, with no evidence of abuse or neglect present. Regulators evaluate how residents are treated not only physically, but also from an emotional standpoint. A standardized and documented approach to community practices is essential for a deficiency-free rating.

Staffing
This area focuses on ensuring that a community has the proper amount and type of qualified staff to support and care for residents. A community’s staff is the foundation of all the care and services provided, so it is vital that its professional team is performing at the highest level of care and competency.

Light of Hearts Villa is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System.