Cove’s Edge, a long-term care and skilled rehabilitation nursing facility on the LincolnHealth-Miles Campus, has been recognized as a 2017 recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award for its dedication to improving the lives of residents through quality care. The distinction is one of three progressive award levels through the National Quality Award Program, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the leading association for long term and post-acute care.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition for our commitment to delivering quality care” stated Cove’s Edge Executive Director Cheryl Dobbelsteyn. “The process for achieving the Bronze award has laid the groundwork for us to continue to improve procedures and the quality of care we give.”

The National Quality Award Program, which AHCA/NCAL established in 1996, is based on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, which is also the foundation of the metric-based AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative. The Baldrige program helps organizations in different business sectors improve and achieve performance excellence.

The Award Program has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Providers begin the quality improvement process at the Bronze level, where they develop an organizational profile with essential performance elements such as vision, mission statement, and key strengths and challenges. Bronze applicants must also demonstrate their ability to implement a performance improvement system. Trained Examiners review each Bronze application to determine if the center has met the demands of the criteria. As a recipient of the Bronze - Commitment to Quality Award, Cove’s Edge can now begin developing approaches and achieving performance levels that meet the Silver - Achievement in Quality Award criteria.

“We are going to begin working towards the Silver award” stated Dobbelsteyn. “The entire Cove’s Edge team will be key in the next steps as we select goals and processes to improve.”

Cove’s Edge began working towards the Bronze award in June of 2016 and received the award in October 2017.

“I commend Cove’s Edge for embarking on the journey to quality improvement,” said the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers Chair Alana Wolfe. “I encourage Cove’s Edge to continue to build on the strong foundation it has created.”

For more information about Cove’s Edge, please call 207-563-4600 or visit www.lincolnhealthme.org.