Southern Hills Specialty Care noted for improvements

The staff at Southern Hills Specialty Care has something to show for all of their hard work throughout the past year.

The facility won the Most Improved Facility award through Care Initiatives, which has 44 nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in the state of Iowa.

"They measure over a 12-month period, and so we're pretty proud of the gains we've made," said Southern Hills Specialty Care Administrator Casey Stephens. "I've been here since July of 2011, and we've been on a pretty good track, so this is a pretty good award that motivates us to continue on the same road, but also gives us a lot of encouragement about the things we have done."

Importance

This is the first time the facility in Osceola has received the award. An awards banquet was held Dec. 7 in West Des Moines.

Stephens said the award is one of the most coveted award the company gives out.

With 44 homes competing for the award, Stephens said it was a "healthy, friendly competition," between all of the facilities.

"Throughout the year, everyone's striving for this award," he said.

Improvements

Stephens praised the facility's department heads for its improvements made throughout the year.

"We share a lot of the same visions and passions," he said. "It's reflective in the gains we've made, for sure."

Many of the facility's gains come from financial, clinical-proficiency and quality improvements.

"Our families are happy and our residents are happy and … that is what matters," Stephens said.