Is the Quality First breeze blowing through your community? As we celebrate the 5th anniversary of Quality First, why not share your good work with your residents and clients? The Consumers' Guide to Quality Aging Services not only helps consumers find the care that suits their needs, but it also poses questions that providers can use to highlight their services. View some helpful tips for sharing the Guide with your residents. Visit the Quality First Web site to find out more about Quality First, sign the Covenant, get the tools to help you on your journey and visit the largest aging-services resources site on the Web. For more information about AAHSA Quality First, contact Bruce Rosenthal, Vice President of AAHSA Quality First, (202) 508-9499.

September 28, 2007 Dear Fellow AAHSA Members, Five years ago, United Presbyterian Home was considered a quality facility, but the atmosphere was stale. Each day went by much the same as the day before. You always knew it was Friday because the noon meal was fish. Bingo was on Thursday night and Lawrence Welk was Saturday night. The mentality was "if it isn't broken don't change it." Luckily, our board made a leap of faith and signed the Quality First Covenant. Quality First became a breath of fresh air at my small facility. The thought process that is the way we have always done it is no longer the norm when it comes to the residents at United Presbyterian Home. Quality First means the residents can expect that staff will try their hardest to make their day and be there for them. The residents can see new fresh ideas for entertainment, exercise and play being introduced as staff is encouraged to think outside the box. Jane Vetter, a nursing home resident, said "this has become a real home; I get to choose what I want to do and when I want to do it. Everyone really cares about me. There is always something challenging and fun to do, like July 3rd when I got to hit the big boss, Mike Moore, in the face with a pie. This is my home and I love it." Our Quality First programming encourages participation of the whole Washington, Iowa, community. Quality First has helped open the community's eyes about retirement communities and the value of the extended family setting to the community. The saying, "if you build it they will come," is true of community too; if you invite them to be a part of your extended family, they will come. The Quality First breeze continues to blow at United Presbyterian Home keeping the air fresh with new ideas. Quality First has become a key part of our values statement to the world. So happy 5th birthday Quality First, may you continue to have many, many more. In Peace, Michael D. Moore, President/CEO United Presbyterian Home Washington, Iowa

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