January, 2019 – Avoca Specialty Care has earned the American Healthcare Association’s (AHCA) 2020 Quality Initiative Tier 4 Recognition. Skilled nursing facilities that have achieved four out of four of the established quality initiatives dedicated their efforts over the past year to achieve the following improvements:

Staff at Avoca Specialty Care celebrate a perfect survey administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. They received zero deficiencies.  There are 440 nursing facilities in Iowa. Generally, only 5 percent are found to be deficiency-free.

(August, 2019) Nursing homes are highly regulated and must adhere to hundreds of standards and regulations. There is one nursing home locally that continues to provide a high level of care and service and meet every regulation. In the most recent state inspection and survey (June, 2019) administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Avoca Specialty Care received zero deficiencies.  There are 412 nursing facilities in Iowa. Generally, only 5 percent are found to be deficiency-free.

Lisa Peterson of Avoca Specialty Care received Care Initiatives Outstanding Dietary Employee Award for 2015. Peterson joined the staff in 1990 and has been cooking and baking for residents for the past 25 years.

“Lisa has been a very dedicated, hard-working cook who takes pride in adding her own special touch in the meals she creates for residents,” says Dietary Services Manager Patty Lippold. “She is very well organized and has a great work ethic.

Staff also benefit from her culinary skill. Peterson often bakes at home and brings her creations in for everyone to try.