Implementing Quality First Successfully

Name:		Kay Kallander
Title:		Sr. Vice President, Strategic Planning
Organization:		American Baptist Homes of the West (CCRCs and Dementia Care)
Location:		Pleasanton, CA
Phone:		925-924-7150
E-mail:		Kkallander@abhow.com

What was the "spark" that got your organization involved in QF?
The "spark" is the historical and current commitment to quality by American Baptist Homes of the West. ABHOW was one of the very first organizations that was successfully accredited by CCAC in the mid- 1980s. We have maintained the highest of standards ever since, including our recent re-accreditation process of nine communities with perfect scores throughout the system. Quality First compliments the extensive work of the CARF-CCAC accreditation. ABHOW is committed to provide leadership to the industry through meeting the highest of standards. ABOW has included its commitment to excellence through both CARF-CCAC accreditation and Quality First in the ABHOW 2005-8 Strategic Plan. ABHOW is also committed to supporting AAHSA and CAHSA in its commitments.

Where/how did you learn about QF?

• Reading AAHSA and CAHSA newsletters
• Personal discussion with CAHSA President/CEO
• By attending both AAHSA and California Association for Homes and Services annual meetings.

Describe the process of getting your Board's support for QF.
At the Board of Directors Retreat in 2002, ABHOW provided an education session with appropriate materials and discussion. The Board enthusiastically supported the idea and signed the covenant.

Have you reviewed the information on the QF Web site? Yes
If YES, what was helpful? There was abundant access to resources/teaching materials.

Does your organization have a Quality First leader... an individual or committee?
Yes, Kay Kallander, Sr. VP of Strategic Planning has the corporate responsibility for this role, but we will also be developing a specialized committee for ongoing efforts in Spring 2005. ABHOW has been granted deemed status based on the outstanding CARF-CCAC accreditation results. Based on this strong foundation, ABHOW has now committed to proceed in a formal, systematic manner to address each Quality First area of focus. Spring 2005 will be dedicated to this effort.

Members have voiced several reasons for not signing the QF Covenant, including: We already run a quality organization; we don't want to expose ourselves to greater liability; we can't afford it; we're too busy. What would you say to encourage these members to sign the QF Covenant?
The industry commitment to those observing us must be of one voice. With fragmented programs, standards, expectations, we can only assume that concerns will continue by consumers and politicians. Quality First is a single focus we can all support to provide confidence to the various stakeholders in senior living throughout the country.