Daytona Beach Nursing Center Resident Named FHCA 2015 Resident of the Year

Florida Heath Care Association Recognizes Douglas Kite as 2015 Resident of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2015
CONTACT: Kristen Knapp, APR
(850) 701-3530 or kknapp@fhca.org

Tallahassee, FL - Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has recognized Douglas Kite, a resident at Seaside Health and Rehabilitation Center in Daytona Beach, as the Association’s 2015 Resident of the Year. The award, which is given annually to a long term care resident who shows outstanding service to seniors residing in Florida’s long term care centers, was presented by FHCA during the Association’s Annual Conference last week in Orlando.
    
Mr. Kite, 68, has served as Seaside’s Resident Council President for over three years. In that volunteer role, he demonstrates a constant desire to improve the center, taking time to listen and advocate on behalf of the needs of his fellow residents. His positive attitude and kindness have increased attendance at Resident Council meetings, which in turn has led to improved communication and increased satisfaction among residents and staff, as well as an overall enhanced quality of life. Mr. Kite was also instrumental in starting the Seaside Country Store, a mobile unit that supplies residents with healthy snacks and drinks each day.

“Douglas is often the first to volunteer to help fellow residents take part in off-campus outings, and his positive approach to everyday challenges has helped increase participation and a level of enjoyment for residents and staff alike. Seaside has become a better place because of Douglas’ friendliness, creativity and overall support of our mission,” said Rachael Mazer, administrator at Seaside Health and Rehabilitation Center, a 120-bed skilled nursing center in Daytona Beach.

“FHCA is pleased to honor Mr. Kite with this prestigious award,” said FHCA Executive Director Emmett Reed. “His enthusiasm and dedication to his fellow long term care residents makes him an excellent role model for seniors across the state.”

ABOUT THE FLORIDA HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION
The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) is a federation which serves nearly 1,000 members and represents over 500 long term care facilities that provide skilled nursing, post-acute and sub-acute care, short-term rehab, assisted living and other services to the frail elderly and individuals with disabilities in Florida. The mission of FHCA is to advance the quality of services, image, professional development and financial stability of its members. As Florida's first and largest advocacy organization for long term care providers and the elderly they serve, the Association has worked diligently since 1954 to assist its members with continuously improving quality of care and quality of life for the state’s growing elder care population. For more information about the Florida Health Care Association, visit [url=http://www.fhca.org]http://www.fhca.org[/url].

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