NCH Healthcare System is happy to announce that it has maintained a 4 out of 5 star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the fifth year in a row. This recognition underscores NCHs commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, outstanding clinical outcomes and a patient-centered approach to healthcare.The CMS Star Rating System is designed to assess the quality and performance of healthcare organizations across the United States. It evaluates various factors, including patient experience, safety measures, clinical outcomes and adherence to best practices. Securing and maintaining a 4-star rating is no small feat; this achievement reflects NCHs dedication to providing high-quality care that meets and exceeds national standards. NCH hospitals were ranked 4 stars with CMS last year as well.We are immensely proud to receive this prestigious recognition from CMS, said Paul Hiltz, President and CEO of NCH. This 4-star rating reaffirms our dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to the individuals and families we serve.NCH remains committed to providing a compassionate and patient-centric approach to healthcare. Its state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology and a team of highly skilled medical professionals ensure that patients receive the best possible care and treatment during their time with us. Moreover, our emphasis on continuous improvement and innovative practices has been critical in maintaining this exceptional rating from CMS. We actively listen to patient feedback and engage in ongoing initiatives to further enhance the care experience and safety of everyone who walks through our doors.We are dedicated to continuously improving our practices and raising the bar for quality care, said Carlos Quintero, Chief Experience Officer at NCH Healthcare System This recognition inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in all aspects of our operations, and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team of physicians, nurses and staff who strive every day to deliver the best possible care to our patients.NCH has a long-standing tradition of excellence and has been serving the community for over 65 years. The organizations commitment to quality improvement and patient satisfaction has earned it recognition as a trusted healthcare provider in Southwest Florida, as well as being named among the top 100 hospitals in the nation.

NCH Begins Phased Roll-Out of New Brand for the Healthcare System NAPLES, Fla. September 7, 2023  NCH is proud to announce the commencement of a phased brand transition.  As the system rolls out the new brand over the next year, visitors to NCH campuses will start to see the new logo and  branding appear in facilities and communications.   As an independent, nonprofit, NCH has been a trusted community pillar since its founding in 1956. In the last few years, NCH has experienced rapid business transformation in becoming an Advanced Community Healthcare System that is nationally recognized for clinical excellence.   The bold new brand will deliver on the existing reputation of NCHs commitment to quality, compassion and innovation, while reflecting its position as a premier organization delivering world-class healthcare.   In addition to being named among the top 100 hospitals in the nation for two years running and rated a CMS 4 Star for six consecutive years, NCH most recently received accreditation as a Geriatric Emergency Department by the American College of Emergency Physicians the only one in Southwest Florida. NCH was also awarded an A grade for the Newborn Screening Program from the Florida Department of Health. Additionally, the American College of Cardiology awarded accreditation to NCH for achieving the highest quality performance standards in transcatheter valve therapies.   These recent examples showcase NCHs commitment to be at the forefront of leading-edge quality care. Over the past few years everything from NCHs GME program, dozens of clinical trials and advancements in technology innovation, recruitment of top-notch clinicians and world-class collaborations have transformed a local brand into a nationally recognized healthcare organization.   NCH has experienced a tremendous amount of growth and change, and the new brand is a great way to reflect that, said Dr. Paul Jones, past president of Medical Staff. This rebrand brings excitement for the future and has been physician inspired. NCH continues to partner with physicians from all specialties for the benefit of our community.   Thanks to the efforts and dedication of NCH staff in achieving high-quality outcomes for patients, the decision to change and update the brand reflects the heart of the organizations ongoing commitment to meet the evolving needs of patients and staff, and to better align with our values.   Our commitment to delivering exceptional medical care has always been our foundation, said Paul Hiltz, NCH President and CEO. Our mission remains the same, and we continue to be committed to remaining an independent, nonprofit organization. With this new brand we want our patients and their families to know that we have transformed and elevated our level of care. We are excited to present an image that mirrors the outstanding care we provide.   The new brand will represent a modern, dynamic image that embodies NCHs vision for the future of healthcare. The updated design will feature a bold, vibrant color palette and new logo that gives a nod to our legacy and conveys the organizations sophistication. NCH now stands for Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH). The goal is to create a cohesive and impactful brand experience that resonates with patients, families and the community.   The brand strategy was based on significant data, analysis and input from the community, patients, clinicians, staff and other stakeholders. This initiative comes at a time of heightened focus on patient experience and fiscal leanness, which is why NCH is committed to using existing resources for this brand refresh and rolling out in phases.   We are excited to embark on this new chapter in our organizations journey, said Amanda Lucey, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for NCH. Our brand is evolving to reflect our organizations growth and clinical transformation. This new brand helps convey that NCH is not only forward-thinking, but also forward doing.  

Introduction to Assisted Living LicensesChoosing an assisted living community is an important and monumental decision. There are a wide variety of factors to consider when deciding between the hundreds of senior living communities in Florida.You should start by considering the level of care you need, your preferred geographical locations, proximity to medical centers, amenities and services included, quality of the food, community atmosphere, and many other factors.On top of these considerations, you also need to take into account what degree of care the community can actually provide. The level of care available is related to the licensure the community holds. There are 3 main types of licenses: Standard License, Limited Nursing Services (LNS) License, and Extended Congregate Care (ECC) License.What is a Standard License?All assisted living communities begin with a Standard License as a base. Standard Licenses allow basic assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as grooming, dressing, feeding, bathing, and toileting. They also allow for help with medication management and administration of oxygen, casts, and splints.From there, specialty licenses can be added to allow communities to meet more advanced care needs. What is a Limited Nursing Services (LNS) License?In communities with a Limited Nursing Services (LNS), licensed nurses can provide more extensive services than they could under a Standard License. Some of these services include conducting passive range of motion exercises, applying ice caps and collars, applying heat, performing ear and eye irrigations, conducting urine dipstick tests, replacing indwelling urinary catheters, and applying and changing routine dressings. What is an Extended Congregate Care (ECC) License?Floridas Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy defines an Extended Congregate Care as a higher level of care in assisted living, including additional nursing services and total assistance with personal care services. When communities hold an Extended Congregate Care (ECC) License, it allows residents to reside in the community despite any mental or physical limitations that might otherwise prevent them from doing so under a standard ALF license.Mandatory services that must be provided with an ECC License include but are not limited to complete help with ADLs, more frequent nursing assessments, and assistance with medication administration. Other examples of nursing services included in Extended Congregate Care are diabetic management, routine care of amputation or fractures, care of suprapubic catheters, gastrostomy tube feedings, hospice supportive care, and more. What are the Benefits of Extended Congregate Care?Standard assisted living communities are only able to provide up to a certain level of health care services. That means if a residents care needs increase, they may need to move to another residential facility, such as skilled nursing, to receive this higher level of care.On the other hand, residents in communities with ECC licenses are more likely to be able to stay in their own community if their level of care needs increases. This is because they can receive a higher level of care in a community with an ECC license than a standard license. Staying in the same community, as opposed to switching around, is ideal for all seniors. Naturally, it would be difficult to move communities after starting to feel comfortable or familiar with where you are. Your friends live there, youve built connections with the staff, and you know your way around. Plus, it is more convenient to stay in your own space rather than having to move all your belongings to somewhere new. These are just some of the many benefits of living in a community with specialty licensure like an ECC license.ConclusionClearly there are many factors involved in choosing an assisted living community. Along with deciding your priorities and preferences, it is important to assess your health care needs and find a community that is able to effectively meet them.  If you are overwhelmed by all the choices for senior living, dont worry youre not alone! With so many variables to consider, it can be confusing and stressful finding the best assisted living community for you.Thats where Florida Senior Consulting comes in.With years of experience, our expert senior advisors will get to know you, listen to all your health care needs, and help you find the best community that checks all your boxes.Want more information? Call (800) 969-7176 or visit FloridaSeniorConsulting.com for a no-obligation consultation.Senior living on your terms. The choice should be yours.