DES MOINES – Earlier this summer, officials from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) presented the final of three 2023 Governor's Awards for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities.
La Porte City Specialty Care is a 46-bed nursing facility located at 1100 Highway 218 North in La Porte City.
The cozy fireplace and sitting area at the front entrance this lodge-style facility immediately impressed DIAL staff who toured the facility. DIAL staff were also struck at how warm staff interactions with the residents were.
Residents were observed smiling and laughing while playing cards, creating art, reading, and puzzling. Some other activities available to the residents are exercise classes, manicures trivia, bingo, making holiday crafts or treats, ice cream socials, and special evening events like “Elvis Night.”
A facility cat, and a dog named "Mojo," can be found wandering the hallways of the home and are available for pet therapy. Residents also reported hatching duck eggs and creating birth certificates for the ducklings.
The facility was nominated by three family members of residents.
Nominator Keri Suiter said the staff treats the residents as if they were their own family members, and “it is evident from interactions I have with any of the staff, that the residents are their first priority.”
Leslie Schaver also nominated the facility for the award. She said, “The team in La Porte does a great job of planning and organizing events and activities for residents and family members.” She stressed that not only does the staff take the time to plan and organize the activities, they also encourage participation.
“It’s like one big family there,” said nominator Glenda Aitchison. “Staff is always courteous and friendly.” She also said staff goes “above and beyond” their duties. “I’ve seen the administrator and activities director come in on a weekend to laundry. I’ve seen an assistant come in to do housekeeping.” She said the administrator has also come in to help cook meals.
DIAL Director Larry Johnson, Jr., said, "The success of this facility is based the quality care provided to the residents by the staff and dedication and support from the community. This is a great facility and I applaud the staff on this tremendous accomplishment and thank the community for their ongoing commitment to the residents."