Radford Green Health and Rehabilitation Center Among the Best
Their ranking among the best is not by accident, but by design and dedication. Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation was designated as one of U.S. News and World Report's Best Nursing Homes 2020-2021. The health care center of Sedgebrook senior living community in Lincolnshire has consistently earned that honor annually. They've also received the prestigious 5-star rating from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) since they opened their doors 11 years ago. Keegan Sawyer, the former administrator of Radford Green, who is now executive director of Sedgebrook, said that their recognition for excellence is based on their commitment to providing the very best service and care.
Sedgebrook is an independent living retirement community. Radford Green, located on Sedgebrook's 72-acre campus, offers memory care, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term skilled care. Sawyer said that contributing to their success are Radford Green's personnel, protocols, and personal touches.
Personnel
Of key importance relating to personnel is the fact that Sedgebrook and Radford Green have their own medical center led by Dr. Elliott Kroger. He has been the director since the community first opened 15-years ago. "With vast experience, Dr. Kroger has been asked to serve as medical director for Life Care Services' COVID Task Force Advisory Board. He's like our own personal Dr. Anthony Fauci," said Sawyer. Life Care Services (LCS), one of the leading senior living providers in the U.S., manages Sedgebrook and Radford Green.
Sawyer also credits the team of front-line workers at Radford Green, who have shown great commitment and loyalty to their residents. "The industry is known for high turnover even during even the best of times. But our staffing is amazing, with little turnover during this challenging time. We're finding that this team does not want to leave their residents or colleagues. They are dedicated and truly care; the residents and team are their family."
With Juan Rosales, an experienced administrator at Radford Green, as well as his own experience as the former administrator, Sawyer said that the community is benefitting from their comprehensive expertise. "We're very collaborative. Our combined backgrounds and knowledge are useful and effective in developing and integrating practices."
"I truly believe that strong systems, complemented by a passionate team, can weather any type of storm. That's what we have at Radford Green. It has been an extremely tough year for many people, so I am both humbled and honored that our team is being recognized during such a tumultuous time. I couldn't be prouder of the entire staff for all their hard work and dedication during this pandemic," said Rosales.
Safety Protocols
In addition to personnel, Sawyer cites extensive infection mitigation protocols for their excellent reputation. "Our highly and specially trained medical team includes individuals with infection control preventionist certification, and VOHRA wound care certified expertise.
Radford Green has purchased enhanced mitigation equipment, including what Cherie Clark, community liaison, refers to as a 'Ghost Buster' sanitation unit. It dispenses bleach, which settles on all surfaces and kills infection. "We have personnel who dispense this, around the clock to make sure everything is clean," said Clark.
Radford Green has established three COVID units. These include one dedicated unit for COVID-positive patients, a second for individuals who are symptomatic but have not had a positive test, and a third that provides quarantine for individuals admitted from a hospital stay. The designated staff remain exclusively within these sections with no crossover to other areas of the community. This significantly limits potential spread. "Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) observed our units and were impressed with our safety measures and our inventory of PPE," said Clark.
"We've worked long and hard to partner with a company allowing us to do COVID testing for all residents and staff at Sedgebrook. Testing at Radford Green is done even more frequently. This consistent testing will truly uncover previously undetected infection and allow us to isolate in order to prevent the spread. This will be such an important tool for our success in keeping COVID at bay," Sawyer said.
Personal Touch
"While our personnel and protocols help us to achieve excellence, we are also attentive to the importance of the personal touch, especially now," said Sawyer. Social and emotional well-being is so important." Over the past months, recommendations and guidance for dealing with the pandemic have changed, limiting or preventing group activities and communal dining. Nevertheless, Sedgebrook's and Radford Green's residents have remained busy. "The staff has been creative and proactive in developing a range of programming that is safe yet engaging," said Clark.
U.S. News and World Report Best Nursing Home
More than 15,000 nursing homes in the U.S. were objectively assessed for the U.S. News and World Report study, now in its 11th year. Among the criteria evaluated are safety, health inspections, and staffing. This year, safety during COVID-19 was also examined. Radford Green was one of only 708 (4.7%) recognized in both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.
"We are always proud of our elite ranking and don't ever take the responsibility to provide the best, lightly," said Sawyer. "Now, perhaps more than ever before it's important for us to perform at an extraordinary level to keep our residents healthy, safe, and cared for."
Sedgebrook and Radford Green
Sedgebrook is a Life Plan Community offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living, and outstanding amenities. Five-star rated Radford Green Health Care, and Rehabilitation is located on the 72-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Sedgebrook is a Senior Care Development, LLC affiliated community and managed by Life Care Services LLC®. For additional information, visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call 847-901-3319.