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Albertville Nursing Home is widely recognized in the local community for its commitment to enhancing
care quality and nurturing a supportive, family-like atmosphere. Located in Albertville, Alabama, the skilled nursing facility manages a broad range of resident needs, from intensive short-term rehabilitation to chronic long term care. It earned the 2023 Silver National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for its achievement in quality care.

Fostering a Supportive Environment

Central to the success of Albertville Nursing Home is its unwavering commitment to creating an environment that mirrors family life. Administrator Emily Tinsley highlights the role of their collaborative team spirit, “Our 300-strong workforce is key to boosting morale and enhancing care for residents, creating a nurturing and productive workplace.”

A Pledge to Continual Improvement

The facility’s participation in the National Quality Award Program reflects its dedication to maintaining high standards. Tinsley said, “We are always looking for ways to improve the quality of care, and this program helps us to foster a culture of ongoing improvement.” This dedication to excellence is foundational to Albertville’s mission, enhancing the lives of its residents.

Innovative Approaches to Dementia Care 

Albertville has initiated a significant shift in dementia care by reducing antipsychotic medication use. Tinsley explains, “Committed to this goal, we focused on changing our staff’s mindset towards managing behaviors in dementia patients, leading to improved patient care and well-being.”

Enhancing Workplace Efficiency and Staff Well-being

The integration of a full-time certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP) marks a notable improvement in care delivery. “Having a CRNP on staff has allowed for a higher quality of care,” says Tinsley. Additionally, addressing vacancies for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) post-COVID-19 has helped alleviate staff burnout, further boosting care quality and operational efficiency.

Aligning with Core Missions

“Our mission is to enhance the lives of those we serve, keeping our residents first,” Tinsley said, emphasizing the facility’s mission-driven approach. She points out the teamwork required to achieve high-quality care, with the Quality Award program serving as a pivotal element in rallying staff towards exceptional standards for residents.

Recognizing Achievements 

In 2023, Albertville Nursing Home and its sister facility Barfield Health Care were the only long term care organizations in Alabama to be awarded the Silver Quality Award. “This achievement demonstrates that high-quality care for residents is achievable when the leadership team is committed,” Tinsley said, appreciating the community’s support and acknowledgment of their hard work.

Albertville Nursing Home’s practices serve as a compelling example of how strategic leadership, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement can significantly enhance the quality of long term care. As a benchmark for the sector, the facility demonstrates the positive outcomes of dedication and a steadfast pursuit of excellence.

Andrea Todd is the director, public affairs at the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living.