River Bend, assisted living by Americare, recently received an award for employee services, during a surprise ceremony held at the community. Members of Americare’s leadership were on hand to present the award and celebrate with the team. River Bend was also elevated to the Presidential Level of the company’s Honor Club for 2021 at Americare’s annual awards ceremony.

Located at 3820 Broadway, Great Bend, River Bend is a 40-bed assisted living community licensed by the State of Kansas.

River Bend was selected from Americare’s 86 assisted living communities to receive the employee services award based on exemplary quality in the area of employee services. The recognition is one of four philosophy awards which reflect the four priorities of the company: service to residents, service to the employees, service to the community, and fiscal responsibility.

According to River Bend Administrator Jamie Peters, the award belongs to the entire team at the community.

“We’re so proud to be recognized in this way,” Peters said. “Americare is a top-notch organization with high standards in every area. We were compared to many other excellent communities and came out on top. That means a lot.” 

The community was evaluated using very specific criteria including state survey results, resident/family survey results and other quality indicators. Awards are given annually each summer and reflect a community’s performance during the prior 12 months.  

“The company considers a nomination in any one category quite an achievement,” said Americare President Clay Crosson. “The community that actually wins the award is simply the best of the best and truly reflects quality that has made Americare a trusted name in eldercare services,” he added. 

Presidential level

River Bend was elevated to the Presidential Level of Americare’s Honor Club for 2021 at the company’s annual awards ceremony. Communities with Honor Club distinction meet very narrow award criteria in each of the four philosophy areas. These communities are seen as the company’s “best of the best.”

The administrator and director of nursing from Honor Club communities participate on a corporate advisory committee that researches new technologies and quality improvement initiatives. Honor Club membership runs March to March each year. Only 15% of Americare’s communities are Honor Club members.  

“Our Honor Club achievement is the result of a team effort,” Peters said. “It belongs to the entire staff. Each day we work hard to deliver person-centered care and to operate in a way that is true to Americare’s philosophy. We’re very proud to have been recognized for our efforts,” she finishes.