Zero deficiencies at Golden LivingCenter

W. TERRY SMITH

Every day, the Rev. Charles Penick drives over from Rocky Mount to sit with his wife Nancy, an Alzheimer’s patient at Golden LivingCenter in Tarboro.

Charles, 84, and Nancy, 81, have been married 60 years. He wants the best for her.

“The care is excellent,” he said. “The food is good. It’s neat and clean. The residents are friendly.”

The latest state recertification survey agrees with Penick. Golden LivingCenter came out of the latest unannounced state inspection with zero deficiencies for the second time in the last three years.

“Zero deficiency is hard to get,” Executive Director Effie Webb said. “We’re proud of it.”

The LivingCenter at 1000 Western Blvd. had one deficiency last year.

The survey is to see if the facility is in compliance with federal participation requirements for nursing homes participating in the Medicare and/or Medicaid programs.

Last year, The Fountains at The Albemarle had zero deficiencies. This year, The Fountains at 200 Trade St. had three deficiencies.

“And all of them have been cleared up,” said Michael Salomone, executive director and skilled nursing administrator.

Tarboro Nursing Center had 13 deficiencies this year. The average in North Carolina is five. The national average is eight.

“It wasn’t as good as we hoped,” said Jackie Cavanath, who has been the administrator since March. “We’re looking forward to our next (survey).”

Tarboro Nursing Center at 911 Western Blvd. has 118 beds and 145 employees. The Fountains has 163 residents and 215 employees full and part time. Golden LivingCenter has 159 patients and 170 employees.

The LivingCenter has been a part of the Tarboro community since it opened in June 1976. Webb, a registered nurse, has been a part of the LivingCenter since Dec. 1 of that year when she came aboard as director of nursing. She’s been executive director since 1980.

“I’m an Edgecombe County girl and most of our staff is also,” she said. “We have local people taking care of local people, and I think that makes a difference.

“Customer service works for us,” she continued. “Before anyone is admitted, we ask them what they want, what works best for that patient and we set up an individual care plan. When you meet the individual’s needs, the happier they are.”

The survey includes inspectors watching staff taking care of patients. Asking staff questions and interviews with residents as patients’ rights is most important, as is privacy.

“I have been told we are the second highest regulated industry in the nation,” Webb said. “We’re second only to nuclear waste removal.”

For 26 years the facility was known as Beverly Healthcare. In 2007, it was acquired by Golden Gate National Senior Care of Fort Smith, Ark., the largest nursing home industry chain in America.

“I have been well pleased with the new ownership,” Webb said. “We have upgraded our safety and have a new fire alarm system and are 100 percent sprinklers.

Webb also noted that each facility gets daily visits from Dr. Brookes Peters, registered Nurse Charlene Weaver and Family Nurse Practioner Frances Smyth.

“This county has a good health care system,” Webb said.

On Wednesday the LivingCenter will open a $1.4 million 3,500-square foot addition to its rehabilitation area with 10 single-bed suites, a dining area and state-of-the-art fitness center specifically for geriatric-age people.

“We will offer out-patient therapy,” Webb said.

Wednesday’s celebration is open to the public from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

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