By Lauren Witt, Forté Group, Inc.

Buckner Westminster Place, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Longview, and its Green House^® homes have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report with a four-star rating in its annual Best Nursing Homes issue. To express its appreciation for the team members and residents who have made this recognition possible, the senior living community is hosting a special appreciation day on July 28^th. There will be a brief ceremony showcasing two new plaques at the Green House homes, followed by a cookout with steaks and complementary side items later that day.

“We are proud of the Green House homes concept and its success on our campus,” said Wes Wells, executive director of Buckner Westminster Place. “We are delighted with this feedback and will continue serving seniors in a community that prides itself on excellence. This achievement would not have been possible without the help of compassionate staff and the remarkable residents. They all contribute to making this community a wonderful place to live.”

The senior living community was rated based on three categories: health inspections, nurse staffing and measures of medical quality of care. The data foundation for this ranking came from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in January 2015. A more in-depth rating and report is available online detailing how Buckner Westminster Place met health and safety standards for food preparation, National Fire Protection Association standards and other standards of nursing home activities in the latest three state inspections.

“This appreciation event is the first of many monthly events to come,” said Wells. “We want to show residents and team members that we are proud of and thankful for their contributions to both Buckner Westminster Place and the surrounding community. In future months we will do car washes for team members and residents, have a spa day with special services and more. We are excited to celebrate them and show them we really do care.”

The Green House homes opened in 2009 and have grown in popularity due to their success. Fellow Buckner Retirement Services communities are opening new Green House homes and are implementing Green House homes training on other campuses in Texas. The Green House homes present a unique approach to care, including a design that is much like a typical family home with multiple bedrooms and personal bathrooms for privacy, a large social living room and a spacious kitchen area where seniors eat their meals together. The Shahbazim, certified nursing assistants with additional extensive specialized training, care for and build strong relationships with the residents and are empowered to make decisions to protect, sustain and nurture them.

“The Green House homes offer such a unique style of care,” said Wells. “Our staff is trained to deliver excellent service to seniors in a welcoming community. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to providing engaging, compassionate care to each resident in the community. The future looks bright.”