Ten questions you should ask about our nursing home

1.  What is your customer service rating by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid?
The national Center for Medicare and Medicaid provides a rating system of 1-5 stars for customer services and staff satisfaction based on 3 factors including staffing, health inspections and quality measures.  

The Wakita Community Health Center has received a five star outstanding rating in 5 out of the last 6 years. In 2013 the CHC was listed in the top 10% of nursing homes nationally.    

In 2012, the CHC was asked to install a door security system with coded access for the safety of the patients. The money was raised from community donations.

2. Is the nursing home for-profit or non-profit?
The Wakita CHC is a non-profit center built to serve the residents of the Wakita community and surrounding areas.  Our focus is on high quality care for families in our own hometown and people in the area, not shareholder’s returns.

3. What is the relationship between the long term care facility and external medical resources?
The Wakita CHC was built in partnership with the OU Medical School as a model rural health project.  It was featured in TIME magazine when it opened its doors in 1968.  The CHC is served weekly and on demand by specialists from St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Integris Bass Baptist hospitals in nearby Enid, Oklahoma.  The center offers therapy and rehab services.

4. What are your standards for cleanliness?
The Wakita CHC has high standards for cleanliness.  All floors are mopped daily.  All beds are changed two or more times a week.   All patients are given baths two or more times a week.  Kitchens go through a daily clean down.  Hand sanitizers are installed throughout the health center.  The center receives an annual paint touch up.  Laundry services are available.

5. What recent upgrades have you made to stay current with best practices?
The Wakita CHC has recently installed a walk in whirlpool bath accessible to patients in wheelchairs, security code locks on all doors for patient safety, new large screen HD TV, menu selection for meals and wireless internet.  New furniture was purchased for the entry lobby.  All room have phones and many are single occupancy depending upon demand.  

6. Do you provide transportation for shopping, doctor’s appointments and activities?
The Wakita CHC owns two wheelchair vans and provides regular transportation to doctor’s appointments, shopping and other activities at no additional charge.

7. What activities are provided for residents?
The Wakita CHC has a variety of activities including bingo, cards, bible study, dominos, crafts, exercise, Sunday and Wednesday church services, hair dresser, birthday parties and holiday parties.  Perhaps the best times are the events that residents attend for the children and the community:  Easter egg hunts, annual Thanksgiving dinner for the community, Santa’s visit at Christmas all draw a large crowd from all over the area. The Wakita CHC prides itself on being well connected to the families and surrounding community.  

8.  What are your diet/nutrition standards?
The Community Health Center is committed to the highest standards of nutrition to promote overall health and wellness.  Our breakfast menu is cooked to order.  Lunch and dinner feature a daily special.  If the resident doesn’t want or like the special, menu items are available for the resident to choose from.  Our daily specials are from a seasonal menu and change quarterly.  Snacks and dietary supplements are also offered.  Special diets are offered for residents with special dietary needs.  Family members and friends are welcome and encouraged to eat with their loved ones.  A certified dietician consults monthly with our dietary manager and staff to ensure that resident’s nutritional needs are being met.

9.  What are your staff qualifications?
The Wakita CHC has trained, certified and licensed staff with a commitment to ongoing education and quality improvement.

10.  Do you subscribe to the Quality First Covenant, the national professional association’s quality assurance plan?
The Community Health Center subscribes to the covenant which is a national standard for nursing home quality.  All aspects of the covenant are included on the Leading Age web site.