JAMESTOWN — The Park, a Heritage rehabilitation and skilled nursing community in Jamestown, NY has been recognized as one of the highest performing nursing homes in the United States for the value based purchasing program under Medicare.

The Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program recognizes nursing homes based on the programs criteria for re-hospitalizations. Rehabilitation and skilled nursing communities, such as The Park, are scored on the percentage of skilled nursing and rehabilitation residents that are discharged to the facility following a hospital stay and subsequently avoid being hospitalized within thirty days.

Heritage recently partnered with HealthPRO/Heritage, a progressive industry leader providing world-class therapy management services, for skilled, outpatient, acute care, and home care settings nationwide. HealthPRO/Heritage works with local staff at The Park to achieve a unique balance of delivering the optimal quality of care with exceptional resident (patient) outcomes.

Heritage also operates two additional rehabilitation and skilled nursing communities in Chautauqua County. The Green in Greenhurst, and The Village in Gerry, both scored far above the national average in the Medicare ranking.

Mark Smeltzer, Heritage regional manager of skilled nursing operations shared, “This extraordinary designation affirms Heritage Ministries’ commitment to providing our nurses and facility staff with the education and resources needed to care for our residents. As the medical complexities of the residents at skilled nursing facilities across the country continue to become more difficult to effectively manage, Heritage continues to invest in our staff and technologies to ensure residents are treated in place and avoid hospitalization whenever possible. This recognition is a result of every employee in every single department working together to care for the residents, promoting Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living for each individual entrusted to our care.”

Jessica Burkhouse, Heritage administrator, continued, “It is our goal to provide the care and support our residents need to maintain their strength and ability to continue living purposeful lives. Receiving this acknowledgment speaks volumes for the collaborative care being provided at The Park.”

Heritage Ministries was founded as the Orphanage and Homes of the Free Methodist Church in 1886 and has grown from its original campus in Gerry, NY, to six locations in New York with additional affiliations in the states of Washington, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. As a not-for-profit provider of senior care and housing, Heritage is a leader in the industry, employing approximately 1,500 team members, and serving over 2,500 individuals annually. With locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Washington, Heritage and its affiliates provide rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, independent retirement housing, and assisted living. The Homestead Stables provides intergenerational equestrian opportunities as well as boarding, training, and lessons. In addition, childcare is provided at two campuses, allowing for intergenerational programs. For more information on Heritage Ministries, please visit www.heritage1886.org.