FirstLight Home Care Earns Home Care Accreditation from The Joint Commission
Lansing, MI – November 2, 2023 – FirstLight Home Care of Greater Lansing, MI and FirstLight Home Care of Brighton have earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Home Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
FirstLight Home Care of Greater Lansing, MI and FirstLight Home Care of Brighton underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on October 17th and 18th, 2023. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with home care standards spanning several areas including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, and rights and responsibilities of the individual.
The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help healthcare organizations measure, assess and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“As a healthcare accreditor, The Joint Commission works with healthcare organizations across care settings to inspire safer and higher quality of care that is more equitable and compassionate,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “Through collaborating on innovative solutions and evidence-based resources and tools, The Joint Commission helps drive improvement while maintaining accountability through our leading survey methods and standards. We commend FirstLight Home Care of Greater Lansing, MI and FirstLight Home Care of Brighton for their commitment to advance safety, quality, equity and compassion for all patients.”
Dr. Deborah Moerland expressed her commitment to elevating the standards of care within the organization by seeking accreditation from the Joint Commission. Her intention was twofold: to demonstrate an unwavering dedication to the highest quality of care and to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Dr. Moerland firmly believes in the philosophy of perpetual learning and the pursuit of excellence in FirstLight’s mission to enhance the daily lives of both caregivers and clients.
She was notably impressed by the diligent efforts of not only her dedicated office staff but also the caregivers who were surveyed during the accreditation process. Their exceptional dedication to their roles was evident, reinforcing their commitment to delivering superior care and services.
In preparation for the accreditation process, FirstLight Home Care of Greater Lansing, MI, and FirstLight Home Care of Brighton undertook a comprehensive and meticulous approach. Several noteworthy examples of the organization’s preparation efforts include:
- Quality Improvement Initiatives: Initiated robust quality improvement programs to ensure that care services met and exceeded the rigorous standards set forth by the Joint Commission.
- Compliance Audits and Documentation Review: Conducted thorough compliance audits and reviews of all documentation, ensuring that all policies, procedures, and records were meticulously maintained and in compliance with the Joint Commission’s stringent requirements.
- Patient Safety Protocols: Implemented advanced patient safety protocols and procedures, which included rigorous infection control measures, safety checks, and emergency response plans. These efforts were aimed at always ensuring the safety and well-being of clients.
- Employee Training and Education: The organization will be investing significantly in employee training and education programs, ensuring that all staff members are well-versed in best practices, ethical conduct, and the latest advancements in home care services. This commitment to ongoing education reflects dedication to delivering the highest quality of care.
- Client Feedback and Satisfaction Surveys: To gauge client satisfaction and identify areas for improvement, FirstLight regularly solicited feedback from clients and their families. This invaluable input allowed them to make data-driven enhancements to services and tailor care plans to individual needs.
- Continuous Quality Monitoring: Implemented a rigorous system of continuous quality monitoring, which involved ongoing performance evaluations and feedback mechanisms. This allowed the provider to promptly address any issues that arose and maintain a high standard of care. FirstLight provides supervisory visits frequently in addition to calls at least monthly to ensure clients are satisfied with services.
Dr. Moerland said, “These proactive measures underscore our unwavering commitment to not only meet but exceed the Joint Commission’s accreditation requirements. We believe that by adhering to these rigorous standards, we can continue to provide exceptional home care services to our clients and make every day a better day for both caregivers and those under our care.”
For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.
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About FirstLight Home Care
FirstLight Home Care, a leading provider of home care services, is a lifeline for seniors, veterans, adults living with dementia, and anyone 18 and older who needs care where they call home. FirstLight exists to help people have their best day, every day. The company’s mission is to provide compassionate home care so that all families served have peace of mind knowing their loved ones receive the support they need to enjoy the quality of life they deserve. FirstLight’s network of professional caregivers is passionate about creating meaningful relationships and making a difference in the lives of others. The franchise system includes nearly 200 independently owned and operated home care locations throughout the United States. To learn more, or to find a local office, visit FirstLightHomeCare.com.
