2014LTCExcellenceAwardWinners

Nursing Home Administrator of the Year

Gail Ward, Morton Plant Rehabilitation Center

Gail Ward (center) has over 27 years of experience working in long term care, currently serving as administrator of Morton Plant Rehabilitation Center for over nine years. She is known for her strong leadership skills and her hands-on approach to the decision making processes that support the clinical care of her residents. Her vision and leadership has resulted in the center being recognized as one of U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 Best Nursing Homes, with a Five-Star Rating from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Morton Plant Rehab is also a recipient of both the Bronze and Silver National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and will continue its pursuit toward the Gold Award in the coming year.

Ward understands the importance of actively participating in quality initiatives such as the Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes Campaign, the INTERACT Program and CMS’ QAPI program (Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement). As a result, the center continues to reduce its hospital readmission rates, holds a 90 percent staff retention rate and has an exemplary survey record. All of this is extremely impressive, given the center’s medically complex service delivery and intense rehabilitation programs.

Ward is also active in Florida Health Care Association (FHCA). She is a graduate of the FHCA Florida Leaders program and currently serves as the FHCA District V President.

Assisted Living Facility Administrator of the Year

Jim Mikula, Pacifica Senior Living Ocala

Jim Mikula has worked in long term care facilities for over 30 years. He is a role model for the culture change movement. Under his leadership, the Pacifica Senior Living has instituted everything from consistent assignment to open dining schedules to resident choice for medication times. Creating this atmosphere where residents can live life to the fullest has translated into greater success for the facility. Occupancy has increased from 55 to 98 percent, staff turnover has been reduced by 75 percent, and for two years in a row, the facility has been voted the best in its community by the Ocala Star Banner. His focus on quality care also led the facility to achieve a deficiency-free survey in the latest health care inspection conducted by the Agency for Health Care Administration.

Mikula has served as FHCA's District VIII President for the past two years and volunteers on numerous committees, including the Florida Center for Assisted Living and Legislative Committees and is the Chair of FHCA's Culture Change Council.

Willis J. Gregson Associate Member of the Year

Deanna Glenn, MobilexUSA/US Laboratories

Deanna Glenn has had a long-standing commitment to the Association, our members and facility residents for over two decades. She has served on several FHCA committees, including the Annual Conference Committee and as co-chair of the Associate Member Support Committee. Back when the Florida was hit hard by several hurricanes, she was there to lend members a hand, assisting with delivering supplies to area facilities that were in need. She is also engaged and supportive of FHCA’s local district and regularly sponsors FHCA events at the state level.

A licensed health care professional in the field of radiology, this individual is always seeking to increase her knowledge and stay in tune with the latest long term care developments. She regularly attends FHCA’s local, regional and statewide educational programs, as well as the A.H.C.A. national convention.

Arthur H. Harris Government Services Award

Bob Asztalos, FHCA Chief Lobbyist

Bob Asztalos (left) is a tireless advocate for seniors and people with disabilities. Along with a willingness to serve others, he brings an air of confidence, diplomacy and commitment to the job like no other. Those who work closely with him know he believes there is always time to work one more issue or speak with one more legislator before the day is done. Asztalos is known for his listening skills and his keen perspective on the political landscape. He understands how to approach things in a way that helps to shape an issue so it is understandable, fair and takes a big picture approach to what is best for the profession, now and into the future. He not only brings those attributes to his experience at the state level, he also has an excellent understanding of federal issues and how to navigate the political system on Capitol Hill. During the 2014 legislative session, his political savvy, strong negotiation skills and tremendous dedication helped FHCA pass one of its most successful legislative agendas.

A military background in the U.S. Navy, Azstalos served in the Middle East during the Iraqi war in 2005 and is currently a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxilary.

Resident of the Year

Debbie Shortridge, Avante at Melbourne
    
Ms. Shortridge has served as Avante at Melbourne’s Resident Council President for over a year. In that volunteer role, she takes time to listen and advocate on behalf of the needs of her fellow residents, sharing their ideas and feedback with facility staff. Her active participation in this role has led to improved communication, increased resident and staff satisfaction and an overall enhanced quality of life. Ms. Shortridge also takes time to read the newspaper each day to residents who have visual problems so they can stay up to date on current events.

“Debbie has a radiant smile and positive approach to everyday challenges. She is an excellent listener and makes others happy with her warm and caring spirit,” said Diane Boodram, administrator at Avante at Melbourne, a 110-bed skilled nursing facility.

Media & Community Involvement Award

Florida Presbyterian Homes, Lakeland

Florida Presbyterian Homes understands the importance of maintaining an active relationship with the local media, and as a result had 52 articles published in 2013, with an increase in media hits already on the rise for 2014. The center’s leaders, staff and residents are actively engaged with the local community. They have hosted community roundtables on senior issues, civic organizational meetings, successful fundraisers and school supply drives on campus, while residents have actively participated in off campus volunteer opportunities – to the tune of 21,000 hours in 2014. FPH also maintains a successful intergenerational program. Several teens are employed at the center, they host a variety of college interns and have a strong partnership with the local college’s School of Nursing, where since 2008 nursing students have gained valuable clinical experience working with residents on campus. Their Compassionate Care Award includes a monetary gift and recognition to one nurse graduate, helping to further that individual’s future career goals.

As a result of their efforts, senior and elder care issues are more visible in their area, and both the staff and residents are proud to be part of a vibrant organization with such an outstanding reputation and recognizable name in the Lakeland community.

Adult Volunteer of the Year

James Lanier, Hawthorne Village of Ocala

James Lanier has been serving others for nearly 35 years, with 20 years of that volunteer experience taking place in nursing homes in Ohio, North Carolina and Florida. For the past six years, Lanier has been an active and well-respected volunteer at Hawthorne Village of Ocala. Dozens of staff and residents nominated Lanier for this award, which speaks to the special bond he has created with everyone at the facility. Kind, gentle, dependable, cheerful, outgoing and friendly are just some of the words they used to describe him. He regularly leads the residents in their bingo games, always with enthusiasm and joy. He also helps with various clerical duties and is always willing to lend a hand. Hawthorne’s executive director shared that he has a quiet work ethic and serves the residents with a selfless approach that inspires everyone.