Fresno Senior Living Community Awarded 5-star Rating

Nov. 19, 2012 - PRLog -- FRESNO, Calif. – News of a notable honor for health care at The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens came as no surprise to Mary Nii and a unique group of residents at the Fresno senior living community. In addition to offering engaging residential living, The Terraces recently received the distinguished 5-Star rating for quality of health care from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Despite her retirement from the medical field, Nii has never really hung up her nurse uniform, and has teamed with a group of resident peers to help promote excellence in wellness and care at The Terraces.
   
“This honor is a reflection of the outstanding work and care by our health professionals, particularly, our RN’s, LVN’s and CNA’s,” says Ed Johnson, health care administrator at The Terraces. “The dozen or so former nurses – now residents – who lend their expertise and wisdom is an added bonus. We all work to achieve a common goal, and that’s making a positive difference in residents’ lives every day.”
   
“We have a passion for actively helping and caring for others, and it’s something that’s never faded,” says Nii, who worked as a nurse in a hospital, in the public health sector and at a local school district. “The health center and care at The Terraces is tops in the city, and it’s our mission to ensure it stays that way.”
   
The CMS rating is based on scores from on-site health inspections, clinical quality measures, as well as staff qualifications and staff to resident ratios.
   
The 14 residents who make up the Health Care Committee help create and develop new wellness programs, and they also help implement new health care policies and procedures. The group, who calls itself a ‘think tank’ for new ideas, meets monthly – in addition to daily efforts providing hands-on assistance and support to fellow residents when they see fit.
   
“My husband always said, ‘You’re never off duty, are you?’” says resident Rosemary Cotton, a nurse for nearly three decades at a Bay Area hospital. “I guess I’m not. We’re a busy group, and I think helping others is sometimes just in your blood.”

Currently, the community is in the process of completing a $120 million transformation.  Among many projects throughout the community, it includes a brand new commons building with a variety of dining, social and entertainment options. Renovations also include new residential living apartment homes and a major expansion of the community’s health center and services.
   
“We’re thrilled about how all the renovations and new features enhance the active lifestyle of older adults,” says Lopez. “And in terms of health care, it only adds to the foundation we have in place with our health professionals and the culture of excellence that we’ve established.”
   
“I was amazed to learn how many residents at The Terraces are former nurses, doctors or worked in the medical field,” says resident Naomi Dyck, a former nursing instructor at Fresno City College. “It really made me feel comfortable knowing that they chose to live at The Terraces and confident about my decision to move here.”

About The Terraces
The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens is committed to enriching the lives of older adults. For more than 45 years, the community, located at 5555 North Fresno Street, has delivered one of the most engaging lifestyles in the area. In addition to residential living, the community offers residents access to a full continuum of on-site assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. For more information about The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens, call 1-800-895-8019 or visit www.TheTerracesAtSanJoaquin.com.

About ABHOW
The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens in Fresno, California, is managed by ABHOW, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. ABHOW is a nonsectarian corporation, serving seniors through quality retirement housing since 1949. ABHOW seeks to enhance the well-being and security of seniors through the provision of housing, health care and supportive services, and was a pioneer in the development of CCRCs. For more information about ABHOW, visit www.ABHOW.com.