When I first moved to Deer Meadows, I marveled at how the staff interacted with each other and how responsive they were to residents’ needs. I witnessed first hand a number of improvements to our community. I frequently asked myself, "How do they get it all done?"
Now, as a member of Deer Meadow’s Quality First Committee, I’ve found the answer. Joining my community’s Quality First journey allowed me to see how deeply rooted our community’s commitment to quality really is. It was an eye opening and educational experience for me, and I believe it would be for any other consumer. Why? Because it showed the invaluable role consumers can play in helping their communities put quality first in everything they do for us.
First, there was the experience of going through the Aging Services Providers’ Checklist for AAHSA Quality First. The committee spent as much time as we needed reviewing each point on the Checklist. We even created our own Report Card based on it. As I read and became more engaged with Quality First, I knew we were moving into another dimension of care and services. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and security as we explored each aspect of AAHSA Quality First and learned how far along Deer Meadows really was on the Quality First journey.
Then there were the relationships I built with Deer Meadow’s board and staff members who serve on the committee. These individuals are truly committed to making Deer Meadows a better place to live. In particular, the board members were insightful and understood the significance of safeguarding and promoting our well-being.
Going into the process, I knew very little about nonprofit boards. That made the conversations about governance particularly enlightening. In fact, the residents on the committee had such a great time discussing the Checklist and learning from each other that now the board joins us for breakfast once a month.
Serving on the committee gave me the great opportunity to participate in a movement that will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for thousands of seniors now and in the future. As one of the two million people that AAHSA members serve, I’m here to tell you that Quality First is and will be a prerequisite in setting the standard for success.
Deer Meadows staff and board know that the people they serve do not stand away from those who serve them. We co-exist. It is a forever-growing relationship that makes an organization, such as Deer Meadows, a home to many. And it is a commitment that all mission-driven, not-for-profit providers should keep. That’s why I encourage all of you to get your residents involved in your organization’s Quality First journey.
Marti Fox
Resident and Quality First Committee Member
Deer Meadows Retirement Community
Philadelphia, Pa.
