Kimball Farms Earns Fourth Deficiency-free Survey

LENOX — After the state Department of Public Health completed its annual survey at Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center, it issued a report that is rare in Massachusetts: deficiency-free, for the fourth time in recent history.

A deficiency-free result in the state’s rigorous annual examination is one of the top indications of excellence for nursing facilities. Nursing facilities are thoroughly surveyed and rated on core criteria, including quality care, safety, administration, food service, nursing care, and patient rights. The unannounced inspections by representatives from the DPH are conducted annually, nine to 15 months following the prior survey. This evaluation, conducted by a team consisting of at least one registered nurse and social worker, includes a review of residents’ and patients’ clinical records, a tour of the facility, and interviews with residents, patients, family members, and staff members.

This honor is the most recent in a series of outstanding accomplishments by Kimball Farms that includes the Gold – Excellence in Quality National Quality Award, presented by the American Health Care Assoc. and National Center for Assisted Living, based on the criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. Other recent accolades include designation as a five-star organization by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and scores in the top 1% in the nation for customer and workforce satisfaction, as measured by My InnerView and National Research Corp.

“Our Kimball Farms team members dedicate themselves daily to excellence and compassion, and to improving the quality of life for our residents,” said Administrator Bill Kittler. “Our teamwork supports the highest degree of service and care for our residents. It is an honor to have the Department of Public Health recognize the staff for their efforts and acknowledge their hard work and commitment.”

Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center, a member of Berkshire Healthcare, specializes in short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, skilled nursing, and respite care. For more information, visit www.kimballfarms.org.