Everyone's Opinion Newsletter

Valley View Home, the Blair County Nursing Home is managed by Affinity Health Services, Inc. In response to a recent letter questioning aspects of care at Valley View Home and implying possible abuse, Affinity and Blair County have strict and thorough policies prohibiting any form of abuse. We take the care of the residents very seriously and do not tolerate any mistreatment. Our policies and practices prevent mistreatment and protect the individual who may report any allegations of abuse. Our policy addresses screening, prevention, identification, reporting, and investigation all of the following:

-Verbal Abuse

-Sexual Abuse

-Physical Abuse

-Involuntary Seclusion

-Mental Abuse

-Neglect

-Misappropriation of resident property

Our policies and procedures specifically address these areas of prevention and reporting:

-Routine employee screening techniques,

-Employee and resident training initiatives,

-On-going monitoring of the residents for any signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect,

-On-going monitoring of the staff?s competency and skill levels,

-Protection of residents? who make allegations of abuse or mistreatment throughout the investigation,

-Incident investigation procedures, and

-Appropriate reporting guidelines.

Any person who suspects any form of resident abuse is to report that concern to the management team at Valley View. Any concerns reported are investigated promptly and any necessary action is taken in a timely manner. There are multiple ways in which the practices on preventing abuse are monitored at Valley View. In addition to the facilities policies, Affinity corporate personnel conducts follow up as needed to the facility investigations and training. Finally, both the local Area Agency on Aging and the Department of Health are notified. The Department of Health conducts a review on every report that they receive from all nursing homes in the Commonwealth and determines if the facility has met the requirement of the regulations. We work closely with these agencies to meet or exceed the regulations in regards to reporting and to ensure the highest standard of care and services.

Any allegation or care concern received is taken seriously.

Affinity Health Services, Inc.

Manager of Valley View Home

What do you think?