Southern Utah Veterans Home receives No. 1 national ranking for lowest re-hospitalization

Composite image. Background show the Freedom Eagle Monument overlooking the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins, Utah. Foreground banner from "Lunch and Learn" event in St. George, Utah, Sept. 25, 2018 | Background photo by Ryan Rees. Banner photo by Jennifer Ferrau, St. George News

IVINS — Southern Utah Veterans Home was recently ranked as the best skilled nursing facility in the nation for lowest re-hospitalizations. A “Lunch and Learn” and awards ceremony was held Tuesday in recognition of the ranking and in thanks to area partners who have helped make the veterans home a success.

Awards to be presented at “Lunch and Learn” and awards ceremony held by Southern Utah Veterans Home following receiving a No. 1 national ranking for lowest re-hospitalization, St. George, Utah, Sept. 25, 2018 | Photo by and courtesy of Jennifer Ferrau, St. George News

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, against 15,421 nursing homes nationally, the veterans home tied for a No. 1 national ranking. Re-hospitalizations can have several negative impacts, including physical, emotional and psychological tolls on the patient as well as costing the Medicare program and taxpayers more money.

Southern Utah Veterans Home administrator Jerry Olson attributed the re-hospitalization rate to several factors.

“This rating is a result of focused effort and hard work by the Southern Utah Veterans Home and all our committed partners,” he said.

Kathrine Scarfo, director of nursing, agreed.

Banner at “Lunch and Learn” event in St. George, Utah, Sept. 25, 2018 | Photo by Jennifer Ferrau, St. George News

“We have a very high physician presence in our facility and that combined with our highly trained nursing staff has led to a decrease in re-hospitalizations,” she said.

Initiating programs such as interdisciplinary team meetings and carefully coordinated discharge plans have helped Southern Utah Veterans Home earn their No. 1 ranking.

“We work very closely with Rocky Vista University, Dixie Regional Medical Center and several local home health companies to increase successful discharges once our veterans complete therapy,” Olson said.

Southern Utah Veterans Home is owned by the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, and the day-to-day operations have been contracted to Avalon Health Care Group.

Since opening in 2013, Southern Utah Veterans Home has maintained a 5-star rating, the highest rating possible.

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1 Comment

  • Pa Triot September 27, 2018 at 8:19 pm

    The Southern Utah Veterans Home is a shining example to our Nation and a gift to our Veterans. Sincere congratulations and a ‘Salute!’ from this Vietnam Vet.

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