Evanston, IL (April 22, 2010) – The American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) has selected the Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging (MLIA) LEAP program as a recipient of the 2010 AMDA Foundation/Evercare Award for improving the quality of life of persons living in long-term care communities. The award application showcased the impact of LEAP at Mather Pavilion which has had a successful history of high resident and family satisfaction, low staff turnover, and few health deficiencies.
Developed in 1999 in partnership with the Life Services Network of Illinois, LEAP is a comprehensive workforce development program for long-term care communities that empowers staff, increases retention, and promotes staff-resident relationships through a model of person-centered care.
“It is a great honor for LEAP to be recognized by such a prestigious national organization,” said Linda Hollinger-Smith, Vice President, MLIA. “The LEAP program has already reached hundreds of long-term care communities and thousands of care givers. This award will help make certain that LEAP continues to make a positive contribution.”
MLIA received the award at the AMDA Long Term Care Medicine meeting in Long Beach, CA on March 12. Jayne Schaefer, MLIA’s Manager of Workforce Programs, accepted the award on behalf of Mather LifeWays.
According to MLIA, LEAP has significantly increased nursing staff retention, team communication, work effectiveness, and job satisfaction. Effective workforce improvement through LEAP has resulted in measurable improvements in quality of care and satisfaction among residents and families.
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About Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging
Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather LifeWays is a unique not-for-profit, non-denominational organization that enhances the lives of older adults by creating Ways to Age Well.SM The Institute on Aging was founded as a way to provide much-needed research and education for the health professionals who serve older adults. Initiatives focus on person-centered care and effective memory support addressing program assessment tools, emergency preparedness, and reducing workforce turnover rates. Additional Institute programs target workforce wellness and empowering family caregivers. To learn more about Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging, or Mather LifeWays senior residences and community initiatives, please call (847) 492.7500 or find your way to www.matherlifeways.com.
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