Doolittle Home received the highest rating among 430 long term care facilities in Massachusetts – a perfect 5.0
Doolittle Home, serving the elderly since 1915 from its facility at 16 Bird St. in Foxboro has received the highest rating among 430 long term care facilities in Massachusetts – a perfect 5.0 – for personal care provided it residents according to the 2009-2010 survey released by the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health. The state average was 4.10.
Top recognition was also awarded for food service and meals, rated a Massachusetts high of 4.81 against a state average of 3.95. Results of the survey, based on ratings provided by the caregivers of individuals in the various facilities, also gave Doolittle Home a rating of 4.62 for Activities provided for residents, the second highest in the state which averaged 3.82. Doolittle was also second highest in Massachusetts – 4.92 – for recognizing the rights of residents. The state average stands at 4.10.
Doolittle Home shared the highest rating in Massachusetts with one other facility for the physical environment for residents, posting a 4.96 against a state average of 4.12 and shared second highest ratings for administration and personal care staff at 4.85. The state average is 4.19.
Well above state averages in every category, Doolittle Home was also rated on overall satisfaction and meeting the needs of residents.
“Consistently high ratings such as these are a source of great pride to everyone connected with Doolittle Home,” said Joanne Pratt, president of the organization. “Our ability to do this all comes down to two words: total dedication. From Executive Director DeAnna Willis to the department heads, nursing, housekeeping, office management, food service and maintenance personnel to a hard-working Board of Trustees, everyone is totally dedicated to the needs of those we are pledged to serve around the clock, seven days a week in a facility that never sleeps.”
The state survey, launched in 2005 and repeated in 2007 and again in 2009 was designed as a Nursing Home Satisfaction Survey program. While Doolittle Home is not a nursing home but is a licensed retirement facility with its own nursing unit, it is obliged to participate in the study along with other long term care facilities in Massachusetts. Participation was voluntary in 2005 and Doolittle Home did participate, anxious for a comparison with other facilities. However, so few participated, the results are of little value in establishing a six-year profile. By 2007, participation became mandatory and in each of the two surveys since, more than 400 facilities participated.
While Doolittle Home has other entry options, most residents enter the facility under the Life Care program where, based on one initial fee plus monthly Social Security or pension income, they are cared for the remainder of their lives regardless of any changes in health or finances, assuring them and their families total peace of mind.