Adding to its list of achievements, The Evergreens, a Continuing Care Retirement Community, recently received the highest rating from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services during its annual visit.  Of the 374 facilities surveyed by the department each year, less than 5% receive a perfect score.  The Evergreens is part of this elite group, receiving a deficiency-free rating in all areas.

In addition to this recognition, The Evergreens applied for and received Advisory Standards, another optional and voluntary designation of distinction from the Department of Health and Senior Services.

According to the Health Department’s website, “the advisory standards represent ways that facilities can strive to go beyond the minimum requirements to provide their residents with excellent care. The advisory standards cover 21 areas of nursing home care and services.”

The Evergreens is also proud to report it has continued to maintain a “5 star” rating by the Center for Medicare Services. The community received a rating of 5, out of 5 stars, in the categories of health inspections, nursing home staffing and quality measures during a survey conducted in December 2008.  The Evergreens is one of only a handful of facilities in New Jersey to hold a 5 star rating in all 3 of these categories.

“These outstanding achievements place The Evergreens into a class unto itself,” said Douglas C. Halvorsen, President and CEO of The Evergreens.  “Recognition of this type, at both state and federal levels is a direct reflection on the superior care delivered by our staff of dedicated health care providers. I commend them for all they do, everyday,” he added.

Adding to its list of milestones, The Evergreens will break ground for a new state-of-the-art healthcare center in June.  The center, expected to be completed in 2012, is designed to have a residential look and feel. It will feature spacious private rooms and common areas to accommodate residents’ needs and those of visitors and caregivers.