First SNF to get AHA stroke rehab certification could be the spark to much more

 So what? It talks about 'care'; NOT RECOVERY! The tyranny of low expectations in full display here!

First SNF to get AHA stroke rehab certification could be the spark to much more

A New Jersey skilled nursing facility has been deemed a leader in post-stroke care by becoming the first SNF in the country to earn a Skilled Nursing Facility Stroke Rehabilitation Certification. Now, the center is eyeing more credentials.

The certificate is issued through the American Heart Association and indicates that the Mount Holly Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Lumberton, NJ, is an expert in resident-centered care. 

“The team has specialized expertise, evidence-based practices and a commitment to quality improvement and stroke rehabilitation,” Kate Bauer, regional director of market development at Marquis Health Consulting Services, told McKnight’s Friday. “It shows we’re a reliable partner for post-acute care that’s capable of supporting patients through their recovery journey and improving their long-term outcomes.” (You don't tell us anything about getting survivors recovered! I'd have everyone here fired for incompetence. 'Care' is incompetence, you need recovery!)

Marquis Health manages Mt. Holly and 83 other SNFs and senior living communities on the East Coast to establish and scale specialty programming, including care centers for cardiac rehabilitation, chronic kidney disease, neurology, memory care, and more.

The consulting firm worked with Mt. Holly to obtain the AHA certification by implementing practices that restored residents’ physical function and ability to perform daily activities; increased their strength and endurance; improved balance and mobility; and more.

This individualized approach is essential to drive positive outcomes for patients recovering from a rampant illness.  

Recent research by the AHA found that stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability in the US, with nearly 800,000 people each year experiencing a new or recurrent stroke.

With this fact in mind, in addition to a study that found that post-acute heart failure patients admitted to a SNF have better outcomes with a standardized, nurse-led disease management program, Marquis Health is helping Mt. Holly expand its reach. 

“We are working this year to gain our heart failure accreditation from the AHA. With the addition of a cardiac nurse practitioner, we meet the standards needed to apply,” Bauer said. “We’re also looking to maintain our Joint Commission accreditation.”

If earned, Mt. Holly would join 34 of Marquis’ SNF clients that have already earned the American Heart Association Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification.

Both certificates, according to the AHA’s website, “establish a framework for evaluating facilities based on the American Heart Association’s scientific guidelines for heart failure or stroke care.” They also confirm adherence to standards that emphasize program management, patient education, care coordination and clinical management. 

The Skilled Nursing Facility Stroke Rehabilitation Certification was introduced by the AHA in February of 2024.

But Bauer said patients care less about the clinical rigor behind the certifications and more about how they translate to their care experience. 

“Patients are more focused on compassionate care, convenience and visible progress in their recovery. So for us, it’s essential to supplement the certification with real communication about how our stroke rehabilitation program will directly benefit them,” she said.