There is a growing need for aging services that people can trust. As not-for-profit, aging-services providers, it is more important than ever to show the public, government and media that we’re providing quality services and care.
Quality First is the aging-services field’s quality improvement plan—our way to achieve excellence and earn the public’s trust. However, the question is frequently asked, “What is quality?”
This
Aging-Services Providers’ Checklist for LeadingAge Quality First is a list of characteristics of the ideal quality aging-services organization. The
Checklist, based on the LeadingAge Quality First 10 Elements of Quality, covers the primary functions and duties of the continuum of aging services—adult day services, home health, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes.
The
Checklist is not a mandate or a set of prescriptive requirements; rather, it is a suggested route to quality. Most of all, the
Checklist represents a journey. You can take the journey in small or large steps; you may walk or run. It’s your choice. Regardless, you will be moving forward and making progress.
This
Checklist helps identify areas of strength and for growth within your organization. After completing it, you undoubtedly will have identified many things you are doing well. Celebrate and congratulate yourselves! In addition, like with any good assessment tool, the
Checklist will reveal aspects of your organization that you can improve. Welcome that and develop a plan for improvement that works for your organization. Don’t reinvent the wheel.
LeadingAge Quality First is about “
moving forward, together.” Your quality improvement plan need not be undertaken solo. Resource materials and ideas are available from the Web site, LeadingAge and state association conferences and publications, and your colleagues in other aging-services organizations.
We’re on this journey together for the betterment of the entire aging-services field.
Quality First is good providers continually working to get even better—in service to older persons. It’s the LeadingAge tradition.