Officials with Atlantic Specialty Care, in Atlantic (1300 E. 19th St.), report the care facility has received a “Deficiency Free” result on its annual survey in September by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Administrator Kellie Jimerson says that makes two years in a row for the deficiency free designation.

Jimerson says the past year has been one of many honors for Atlantic Specialty Care. In the fall of 2015, Atlantic Specialty Care was honored by the American Health Care Association with its Silver National Quality Award. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will be in Atlantic on Sept. 23rd, to award Atlantic Specialty Care with the “2016 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities.” The event begins at 10:30-a.m.

The annual survey, which is conducted over several days, covers over 500 quality, safety and performance issues such as medication management, proper skin care, assessment of resident’s needs, respect for residents rights and dignity, food service, environment and administration. The complete evaluation includes a tour of the facility, review of residents’ clinical records, and interviews with residents and family members about life and the care they are receiving.

With the increase in regulations, achieving the distinction of a “deficiency-free” survey is very prestigious. It means Atlantic Specialty meets or exceeds all state and federal standards.

Jimserson says “Our entire facility, including residents, staff, families and volunteers work together as a team to make Atlantic Specialty Care a safe and comfortable living community. Our goal is to help people with life’s health transitions and we think we do a great job of that.”

Atlantic Specialty Care is a 90-bed skilled nursing facility offering outpatient rehabilitation services, skilled nursing care, long term care and hospice care. Atlantic Specialty Care is owned and operated by West Des Moines-based Care Initiatives, Iowa’s largest not-for-profit post-acute and senior care provider. Care Initiatives and Care Initiatives Hospice operate 55 skilled nursing, rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s/dementia, assisted living and hospice locations throughout Iowa.

For more information about Care Initiatives or Atlantic Specialty Care, visit careinitiatives.org or call 712-243-3952.