pressreleases Archives

Walter Reed Awarded on Newsweek as one of America’s Best Nursing Homes 2024

Andi Petrini on November 13, 2023

It is the second straight year Walter Reed has received the honor

GLOUCESTER, Va. (Nov. 13, 2023) – Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester, a Virginia Health Services (VHS) entity, has been recognized on Newsweek’s America’s Best Nursing Homes 2024 list. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on September 27, 2023, and can currently be viewed on the Newsweek’s website.

This is the second straight year Walter Reed has earned the Newsweek honor. Walter Reed opened in 1981 in its current location and is one of seven nursing and rehabilitation centers under the VHS umbrella, which also includes home care, hospice, assisted and independent living, along with rehabilitation and pharmacy services. Walter Reed offers skilled and long-term nursing care in addition to Memory Care units for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The America’s Best Nursing Homes 2024 ranking lists the nation’s leading nursing homes in the 25 states with the highest number of facilities according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The evaluation is based on five data sources:

CMS Data used to determine the performance of nursing homes.
National Online Survey of thousands of medical professionals.
Management of the Covid-19 situation.
Resident Satisfaction Data.
Accreditation by The Joint Commission (TJC) and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Based on the results of the study, Virginia Health Services is ecstatic Walter Reed again is being recognized as one of Newsweek’s America’s Best Nursing Homes 2024.

“This repeat honor is a testament to the dedication of the Walter Reed team to resident care,” said Virginia Health Services President & CEO Mark Klyczek. “They are being nationally recognized once again for their hard work and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.”

Learn more about what the Walter Reed community is like on its Facebook page.

####

About VHS

Locally owned and headquartered in Newport News, Virginia since 1963, Virginia Health Services offers exceptional senior living and health care services. We specialize in the continuum of care from active lifestyle independent and assisted senior living communities, to skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Our 1,000+ Team Members are passionate and committed to the well-being and quality care of our residents. Beyond our thoughtfully maintained communities located throughout the Virginia Peninsula, we offer a full range of personalized skilled health care, outpatient therapy, home care and hospice services by specially trained staff in the comfort and privacy of your home. To learn more, please visit our website at www.vahs.com.

About Statista:

Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, business relevant data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys.

Virginia Health Services and DaVita Kidney Care Launch On-site Dialysis Program in Hampton

Andi Petrini on August 24, 2023

Life-sustaining kidney care available to Coliseum residents is first of its kind on the Peninsula

HAMPTON, Va. (August 23, 2023) – Peninsula-based Virginia Health Services (VHS) and DaVita Kidney Care celebrated their partnership with a ribbon-cutting at the DaVita Dialysis Den located in VHS’s Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 355 Marcella Dr. in Hampton.

The DaVita Dialysis Den is an on-site dialysis center, exclusively available to Coliseum’s long-term care and rehabilitation residents. Coliseum provides 24-hour nursing services; occupational, physical and speech therapies; and on-site hemodialysis — reducing the discomfort, inconvenience and cost of frequent transportation for treatment.

DaVita’s highly trained and dedicated care team members deliver on-site dialysis care to residents of Coliseum, creating a more comfortable and convenient experience for many patients and their providers.

“Often, dialysis is a barrier for individuals who need short-term rehabilitation. This will eliminate that barrier, which is a big win for the individuals and the hospitals that have difficulty finding an appropriate bed,” said Virginia Health Services President and CEO Mark Klyczek. “It was important to find an experienced partner because dialysis is such a specialized service.”

The Dialysis Den at Coliseum allows residents to receive treatment on-site.

This program is projected to reduce the total cost of care to payors like Medicare, as well as reduce hospital readmission events. VHS patients who are part of the DaVita SNF Dialysis network will require minimized discharge planning, as hospitals will have the ability to send patients in need of dialysis directly to the Coliseum for care.

“We bring 20 years of experience as a leading kidney care provider,” said Dan Viaches, president of DaVita SNF Dialysis. “We appreciate that VHS trusts us to deliver high-quality care to the patients they serve.”

Locally owned and managed, Virginia Health Services has served residents’ needs since 1963. It owns and operates seven nursing and rehabilitation centers on the Peninsula, Gloucester and the Northern Neck. Their Walter Reed community offers Memory Care units for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The DaVita Dialysis Den is just one more reason to consider Virginia Health Services.

To find out more about Virginia Health Services (VHS) and DaVita Kidney Care Dialysis Den or VHS’s Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, please visit VAHS.com, connect with us on Facebook or call (757) 596-6268.

Lobby at Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center — The lobby at Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center recently underwent a facelift as well.

###

About VHS

About DaVita Inc.

DaVita (NYSE: DVA) is a health care provider focused on transforming care delivery to improve quality of life for patients globally. The company is one of the largest providers of kidney care services in the U.S. and has been a leader in clinical quality and innovation for more than 20 years. DaVita cares for patients at every stage and setting along their kidney health journey—from slowing the progression of kidney disease to helping to support transplantation, from acute hospital care to dialysis at home. As of June 30, 2023, DaVita served approximately 201,000 patients at 2,703 outpatient dialysis centers in the United States. The company also operated 353 outpatient dialysis centers in 11 other countries worldwide. DaVita has reduced hospitalizations, improved mortality, and worked collaboratively to propel the kidney care industry to adopt an equitable and high-quality standard of care for all patients, everywhere. To learn more, visit DaVita.com/About.

3 VHS nursing homes awarded Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes 2023

Andi Petrini on October 24, 2022

Newport News, VA – Three Virginia Health Services nursing and rehabilitation centers have been recognized on Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes 2023 list. James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Newport News, Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hampton, and Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester are on the Newsweek list.

This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on Sept. 28, 2022, and can be viewed on Newsweek’s website.

The Best Nursing Homes 2023 ranking lists the best nursing homes in the 25 states with the highest number of facilities according to The United States Census Bureau. These states include Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. The list evaluates the best nursing homes according to key performance data, peer recommendations, accreditation, and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on the results of the study, Virginia Health Services is ecstatic to have three facilities recognized as Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes 2023. Throughout the pandemic, the teams at Coliseum, James River and Walter Reed proved their ability to meet challenges with thoughtful, nimble responses that put the focus squarely on Resident care.

“This honor reflects the dedication of our team members to our mission, which is to support individuals to live their best life. We are proud the hard work of our team is being recognized on a national level,” says VHS CEO and President Mark Klyczek.

Virginia Health Services has served residents needs since 1963. It owns and operates seven nursing and rehabilitation centers on the Peninsula, Gloucester and Northern Neck. Their Walter Reed community offers Memory Care units for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Visit the communities on Facebook — Coliseum, James River and Walter Reed — to see the activities and events Residents regularly enjoy.

About VHS

Elizabeth Cabusora Chosen as a Future Long Term and Post-Acute Care Leader for National Organization

Andi Petrini on June 27, 2022

Newport News, VA – Virginia Health Services announced today that Elizabeth Cabusora, Administrator of York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and The Hamilton Assisted Living, has been chosen by the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a national, future leader in long-term and post-acute care. Cabusora will join AHCA/NCAL’s Future Leaders program, a year-long program that offers training and guidance for industry professionals.

“I am thrilled to welcome Elizabeth to our newest class of Future Leaders,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “In the midst of a historic labor crisis in long-term care, we need to continue to develop leaders in the profession that will help us build back our workforce of health care heroes. Elizabeth and our other Future Leaders will help transform our profession for the better, and we are honored to help them develop their careers in this rewarding sector.”

Cabusora is the only representative from Virginia in the program.

“Elizabeth has clearly demonstrated her commitment to serving as a leader for the past 15 years. She has grown tremendously during the time I’ve known her and shows outstanding potential to continue on that path,” said Virginia Health Services Vice President of Operations Don Lundin, who nominated Cabusora for the program. “She is a good, kind-hearted person who always thinks of others first.”

Cabusora started at York in June 2021. She served in supervisory and leadership roles in nursing and assisted living communities, receiving her administrator’s license in 2020. She became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in 2005 and then earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree. Cabusora is currently near completing a Master’s of Health Services Administration degree.

She originally is from the Philippines and immigrated to the U.S. in 2003. She says her cultural ties of respect for the elderly is the foundation of her career in long-term care.

AHCA/NCAL developed the Future Leaders program in 2004. Selected participants demonstrate both leadership potential and represent the interests of state and national long-term care providers. The program covers the latest theories and practical applications in quality management, customer satisfaction, and leadership. The year-long program kicks off with the “Future Leaders of Long Term Care in America” Symposium held each year in Washington, D.C.

ABOUT AHCA/NCAL

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,500 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit www.ahcancal.org.

About VHS

Locally owned and headquartered in Newport News, Virginia since 1963, Virginia Health Services offers exceptional senior living and health care services. We specialize in the continuum of care from active lifestyle independent and assisted senior living communities, to skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Our 1,200+ employees are passionate and committed to the well-being and quality care of our residents. Beyond our thoughtfully maintained communities located throughout the Virginia Peninsula, we offer a full range of personalized skilled health care, outpatient therapy, home care and hospice services by specially trained staff in the comfort and privacy of your home. To learn more, please visit our website at www.vahs.com.

Virginia Health Services launches redesigned website

Andi Petrini on February 18, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Newport News, VA. – Virginia Health Services launched a redesign of its website in February. The site, vahs.com, is now easier to navigate and showcases the company’s lines of service. It can be accessed from any device. The website redesign comes at the same time as a brand refresh for VHS.

The company shared its new tagline – “Your best life is our mission” – and updated its logo across lines of service. Virginia Health Services, based in Newport News, Va., specializes in a spectrum of senior healthcare services, including senior living, nursing and rehabilitation, home health care, hospice, and outpatient rehabilitation.

The new site also makes it easier for recruits to access open job opportunities and apply.

The website was a joint effort between the Virginia Health Services marketing team and the team at WB Marketing, based in Norfolk, Va.

About VHS

Locally owned and headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, since 1963, Virginia Health Services offers exceptional senior living and health care services. We specialize in the continuum of care from active lifestyle independent and assisted senior living communities, to skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Our 1,200+ employees are passionate and committed to the well-being and quality care of our residents. Beyond our thoughtfully maintained communities located throughout the Virginia Peninsula, we offer a full range of personalized skilled health care, outpatient therapy, home care and hospice services by specially trained staff in the comfort and privacy of your home. To learn more, please visit our website at www.vahs.com.

VHS Grows its Workforce with Apprenticeship Program

vhs2021design on April 22, 2021

VHS Grows its Workforce with Apprenticeship Program

Newport News, VA. – Virginia Health Services (VHS) is looking to grow its workforce and develop a pipeline of team
members for its independent, assisted living and nursing home facilities, as well as home health care, rehabilitation
and hospice services.

VHS has launched its participation in the Healthcare Apprenticeship Expansion Program (HAEP), which is funded
with a Department of Labor Closing the Skills Gap Grant and has an emphasis on careers in senior living.
VHS is investing in its employees from the start. The apprenticeship offers paid, on-the-job training. VHS’s program
is starting with providing paid training to Care Assistants (CAs) as they elevate to Certified Nursing Assistants
(CNAs).

HAEP reports 94% of apprentices continue employment following the completion of the apprenticeship.
“Employees are earning as they’re learning,” said Rebecca Boyd, VHS Vice President of Nursing. “It’s not common
for training to be paid. We’re giving employees the opportunity to launch and grow meaningful careers.”
HAEP will provide educational and training resources for participants. VHS aims to grow the program to include
apprenticeships for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), pharmacy technicians, and
housekeeping and culinary positions.

VHS’s first class of apprentices graduated Thursday, April 22. The ceremony marked the completion of their CA
training, and they will continue their education as Nursing Assistants until taking the exam to certify them as CNAs.
The apprenticeship program covers the cost of the exam, administered by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
The next apprenticeship class starts May 3. Apprenticeship classes will also be offered throughout the year. To
learn more, visit www.vahs.com.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in health care to grow 15% from 2019 to 2029, adding
about 2.4 million new jobs. The Bureau attributes the projected growth to an aging population and increased need in
health care services.

“It’s a group effort,” said Bryanna Rhodes, VHS Director of Education. “We have two days of orientation before CAs
begin on-the-job training. They are working with CNAs and other nursing professionals who serve as their mentors
and support system in our facilities.”

Those in the apprenticeship program have access to Family Scholar House, a financial assistance program meant to
alleviate barriers to starting a career. Family Scholar House can offer resources and funds to help cover academic
coaching, affordable housing, transportation, child care, emergencies, and more. It is offered to those in the HAEP
grant program at no additional charge.

About VHS
Locally owned and headquartered in Newport News, Virginia since 1963, Virginia Health Services offers exceptional
senior living and health care services. We specialize in the continuum of care from active lifestyle independent and
assisted senior living communities, to skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Our 1,200+ employees are
passionate and committed to the well-being and quality care of our residents. Beyond our thoughtfully maintained
communities located throughout the Virginia Peninsula, we offer a full range of personalized skilled health care,
outpatient therapy, home care and hospice services by specially trained staff in the comfort and privacy of your
home. To learn more, please visit our website at www.vahs.com.

VHS One of First in State to Maintain Vaccinations in Long-Term Care Facilities

vhs2021design on April 6, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 6, 2021

Newport News, VA. – Virginia Health Services (VHS) is using its in-house resources to stay on the leading edge of managing COVID-19 and keep its communities safe. The Virginia Health Services Pharmacy recently became one of the first long-term care pharmacies in the state to provide an ongoing supply of COVID-19 vaccine for its residents and team members. All new VHS residents and team members will have access to the vaccine through the affiliated pharmacy.

“The vaccine has proven to be tremendously effective in protecting our residents and team members. Being able to acquire the vaccine through our Virginia Health Services Pharmacy has allowed us to promptly vaccinate the individuals we serve in our nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, home care and hospice services,” said Mark Klyczek, President & CEO, Virginia Health Services.

“Vaccination efforts to date have helped make the residents of our communities much safer. The ready ability to maintain a high percentage of vaccinated people in our communities enables us to sustain this protection. We will continue to encourage vaccinations, as well as follow all safety guidelines such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and conducting regular testing.” added Dr. Robert Walters, Vice President of Clinical Affairs, Virginia Health Services.

VHS worked with the Virginia Department of Health’s Long-Term Care Task Force, and collaborated with pharmaceutical companies and other health care providers to ensure access to life-saving supplies and treatments for its communities throughout the pandemic.

More than 1 in 5 adults are now fully vaccinated, including more than half of seniors, according to the CDC. The national goal set by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and LeadingAge is to vaccinate 75% of the nearly 1.5 million nursing home staff by June 30.

About VHS

Locally owned and headquartered in Newport News, Virginia since 1963, Virginia Health Services offers exceptional senior living and health care services. We specialize in the continuum of care from active lifestyle independent and assisted senior living communities, to skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Our 1,200+ employees are passionate and committed to the well-being and quality care of our residents. Beyond our thoughtfully maintained communities located throughout the Virginia Peninsula, we offer a full range of personalized skilled health care, outpatient therapy, home care and hospice services by specially trained staff in the comfort and privacy of your home. To learn more, please visit our website at www.vahs.com.

Virginia Health Services Profiled In National Organization’s Ad Campaign

vhs2021design on November 3, 2020

Virginia Health Services Profiled In National Organization’s Ad Campaign

Newport News, VA. – Today, Virginia Health Services (VHS) announced it will be profiled in two new ads launched by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the nation’s largest association of long term and post-acute care providers.

The ads, “Family” and “Oath,” feature a diverse group of caregivers from multiple Virginia Health Services (VHS) communities: Northampton Convalescent & Rehabilitation Center, York Convalescent & Rehabilitation Center, and The Huntington at the Newport assisted living community. Included in both cable and digital advertisements are Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Brenda Kincaid, LPN Shannon Mullen, LPN Kim Randolph and Physical Therapist Stacey Sterner. The group discusses how long-term care staff have steadfastly protected and cared for nursing home and assisted living residents under very challenging circumstances. Additional VHS staff, residents and The Hamilton
at York assisted living community will be also featured in AHCA/NCAL’s ad content, which will run through the end of 2020 on select cable networks and digital platforms, and supplemented by local buys from AHCA/NCAL state affiliates.

“We are honored that AHCA/NCAL chose our team to be a part of this important campaign,” said Mark Klyczek, President & CEO, Virginia Health Services. “Our caregivers have faced extraordinary challenges over the past eight months, but despite the circumstances, they have never wavered from doing everything they can to protect our residents. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share our stories on a national platform. We hope these ads give Americans a better understanding of the courageous work our caregivers have undertaken and the high-quality care we provide every single day.”

About VHS
Locally owned and headquartered in Newport News, Virginia since 1963, Virginia Health Services offers exceptional senior living and health care services. We specialize in the continuum of care from active lifestyle independent and assisted senior living communities, to skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Our 1,200+ employees are passionate and committed to the well-being and quality care of our residents. Beyond our thoughtfully maintained communities located throughout the Virginia Peninsula, we offer a full range of personalized skilled health care, outpatient therapy, home care and hospice services by specially trained staff in the comfort and privacy of your
home. To learn more, please visit our website at www.vahs.com.

Walter Reed Awarded on Newsweek as one of America’s Best Nursing Homes 2024

It is the second straight year Walter Reed has received the honor

Virginia Health Services and DaVita Kidney Care Launch On-site Dialysis Program in Hampton

Life-sustaining kidney care available to Coliseum residents is first of its kind on the Peninsula

###

About VHS

About DaVita Inc.

3 VHS nursing homes awarded Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes 2023

About VHS

Elizabeth Cabusora Chosen as a Future Long Term and Post-Acute Care Leader for National Organization

ABOUT AHCA/NCAL

About VHS

Virginia Health Services launches redesigned website

VHS Grows its Workforce with Apprenticeship Program

VHS Grows its Workforce with Apprenticeship Program

VHS One of First in State to Maintain Vaccinations in Long-Term Care Facilities

Virginia Health Services Profiled In National Organization’s Ad Campaign

Virginia Health Services Profiled In National Organization’s Ad Campaign

LATEST NEWS

Thank you to our volunteer network at VHS!

QUICK LINKS