U.S. News & World Report Names Sagepoint Senior Living in Southern Maryland as a “Best Nursing Home” in the Nation

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“We are extremely proud of this national honor, especially since it so closely follows our being recognized by Newsweek magazine as a top nursing home in Maryland”

LA PLATA, MD (Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020) – Sagepoint Senior Living Services in La Plata is among the 21% of U.S. skilled nursing facilities that have been recognized as a “Best Nursing Home for 2020-21” by U.S. News & World Report.

Sagepoint earned Best Nursing Homes status by achieving a rating of “High Performing,” the publication’s highest possible rating, for both long-term care and short-term rehabilitation facilities. U.S. News & World Report gives the designation of Best Nursing Home only to those homes that satisfy U.S. News’s assessment of the appropriate use of key services and consistent performance measures.

“We are extremely proud of this national honor, especially since it so closely follows our being recognized by Newsweek magazine as a top nursing home in Maryland,” said Sagepoint CEO Andrea Dwyer. “But what I am most proud of are our dedicated staff members who made this latest ‘Best Nursing Home’ designation possible.

“Just as we’ve said about our previous Newsweek honor, administrators didn’t make this positive recognition happen,” Dwyer added. “Our amazing staff did.”

Now in its 11th year, the U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Homes ratings and profiles offer comprehensive information about care, safety, health inspections, staffing and more for nearly all of the nation’s 15,000-plus nursing homes. The Best Nursing Homes ratings reflect U.S. News’ exclusive analysis of publicly available data, using a methodology defined by U.S. News & World Report, that evaluates factors that it has determined most greatly impact patient and resident care, safety, and outcomes.

This year, to accompany the new ratings, nursing home profile pages were updated to include a patient safety summary that reflects COVID-19 data alongside other measurements of safety and related advice on choosing a home or facility amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“U.S. News strives to provide access to information that allows consumers to make educated decisions on all types of care,” said Ben Harder, managing editor and chief of health analysis at U.S. News. “Updating the profiles to include a patient safety summary that highlights COVID-19 data paired with other measures of care arms families, caregivers and patients with the information needed to make a decision that keeps safety at the highest priority.”

The Best Nursing Home finder features ratings on both long-term and short-term care. The long-term care rating aims to provide prospective residents who need help with daily activities, and their families, with analysis and information regarding the quality of care provided by nursing homes.

The rating includes data on staffing, success in preventing ER visits, and pneumonia vaccination rates, among other metrics.

About Sagepoint Senior Living Services

Operating originally as Charles County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Sagepoint has provided the region with high quality senior care since 1976. All of the services offered by then-CCNRC were combined and re-branded under a single new name, Sagepoint Senior Living Services, in 2015.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. A digital news and information company focused on Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars and News USNews.com provides consumer advice, rankings and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

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Sagepoint Senior Living Services Named by Newsweek as one of Top Two Nursing Homes in Maryland

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“We are extremely proud of this statewide recognition, especially since the Newsweek criteria includes our response to COVID-19”

LA PLATA, MD (Friday, Oct. 2, 2020) – Sagepoint Senior Living Services has been named by Newsweek magazine as one of the top two nursing home facilities in Maryland, CEO Andrea Dwyer announced today. The rankings were featured in the print edition of the prestigious national publication today (Friday, Oct. 2, 2020) in a special section entitled “America’s Best Nursing Homes 2021.”

Sagepoint was ranked by Newsweek as the best nursing home in the region, second only statewide to Crofton Care and Rehabilitation Center in Anne Arundel County: https://www.newsweek.com/americas-best-nursing-homes-2021/maryland

In making the announcement, Newsweek said its nursing home rankings are based on performance data, peer recommendations, and facililities’ handling of the COVID-19 threat between May 24, 2020 and August 2, 2020. Newsweek partnered with respected global data research firm Statista to establish the national and state-by-state rankings.

“In building these rankings, Statista and Newsweek took extensive, multiple measures to address the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak,” today’s announcement said. “Our objective: to recognize the facilities which have put in place the best possible responses and protocols.”

Dwyer attributed today’s Newsweek ranking to the hard work and dedication of Sagepoint staff.

“Or course we are extremely proud of this statewide ranking, especially since the Newsweek criteria includes our response to COVID-19 at the height of the outbreak,” Dwyer said. “But I am most proud of our Sagepoint staff members who left their own families at home every day, working long hours and putting their own health at risk, to provide quality care for our residents.

“That tells you the type of dedicated, selfless women and men we have working at Sagepoint,” she added. “I don’t know where we’d be without them. Administrators didn’t do this incredible work. Our staff did.”

On March 30, a Sagepoint resident who was being treated at an area hospital was diagnosed with COVID-19. Sagepoint immediately notified families and staff in a message posted on the facility’s public website and also instituted aggressive measures to contain the virus.

Dwyer said Sagepoint voluntarily then tested every resident in its nursing home facility for COVID-19, after receiving Maryland Department of Health approval to test, regardless of whether residents had symptoms or not, a best practice known as universal testing.

Newsweek noted that the data analysis it used for its 2021 rankings put a big emphasis on evaluating the official COVID-19 dataset from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The Nursing Home COVID-19 data is reported directly to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), and includes Resident Impact, Facility Capacity, Staff & Personnel and Supplies & Personal Protective Equipment, as well as Ventilator Capacity.

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Sagepoint Creates New Page to Consolidate COVID-19 Updates

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As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout the United States, Sagepoint is monitoring the situation closely, and our response is evolving as new information becomes available.

Understandably, our patients and family members have questions about what it means for them and the steps Sagepoint is taking to protect all those we care for and all those who provide that care. So we’ve created a dedicated page on our website where any updates and information are posted as soon as possible.

Please go to our COVID-19 Updates page –– linked below –– for the most up-to-date information. We encourage you to bookmark the page so you can easily access it in the days ahead.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this ever-changing situation.

See COVID-19 Updates

Sagepoint Honored By Local and National Publications

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Sagepoint Honors & Awards

When you put your heart and soul into the work you do every day, it feels good when others take notice.

We’re thrilled to share that the team at Sagepoint Senior Living recently received three prestigious honors for the work that we do and the caring environment that we provide for seniors in our community. It’s even more rewarding to know that the recognition is the result of both high-performance in measurable results and the recommendations of those who have seen firsthand the difference we make.

Maryland Independent “Reader Approved”

Readers of Charles County’s trusted local newspaper recently voted Sagepoint as the county’s best in three distinct categories: Best Assisted Living Facility, Best Nursing Home and Best Retirement Community.

We are so grateful for this honor because it comes from the people who have direct experience with Sagepoint –– our patients, their families and their friends.

U.S. News & World Report “Best Nursing Homes”

The nationally read and respected U.S. News & World Report included Sagepoint in its list of the nation’s “Best Nursing Homes.” The publication’s rankings were the result of a thorough process that rated our facilities and staff –– both short-term and long-term care –– across a variety of categories.

The categories included staffing, levels of therapy, patient outcomes, patient feedback and more. Visit our featured page on the U.S. News & World Report website for a deeper look into the assessment and the care we provide.

Newsweek’s “Best Nursing Homes 2020”

Newsweek, another award-winning national publication, named Sagepoint one of the nation’s best nursing homes for 2020.

More than 15,000 nursing homes nationwide were evaluated, and only 400 received this prestigious honor. Of the 26 Maryland nursing homes that made the list, Sagepoint ranked in the Top 5.

Newsweek’s staff rated the nursing homes in partnership with global data research firm Statista, Inc. Together, they adopted a rigorous methodology that drew on key performance indicators such as health inspections, staffing and quality measures. They also incorporated recommendations from medical experts, including physicians, nurses, therapists and administrators.

Our greatest reward is always in the difference our team can make in the lives of seniors and their loved ones, but we are proud to see that impact reflected in the assessments of these publications. We are thankful that so many local families trust us with the care of their loved ones, and we will continue to honor that trust by doing all that we can to provide the highest levels of care.

Dementia Demonstration for Leadership Southern Maryland

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Members of the 2020 class of Leadership Southern Maryland recently participated in a dementia demonstration presented by the team at Sagepoint Senior Living.

LSM’s Executive Leadership Program is a nine-week course aimed at developing a diverse network of community leaders in Southern Maryland.

“The dementia demonstration was part of the program’s Healthcare Day,” said Sagepoint President and CEO Andrea Dwyer. “It provided these local leaders with a glimpse into the struggles that dementia patients face each day, as well as the challenges that our healthcare community works to overcome.”

Demonstrating the Difficulties of Dementia

Nurse Educator Lee Giannini led the activity which guided the participants through a series of exercises designed to simulate the struggles people with dementia experience with sensory, sensitivity, coordination and cognitive deficits.

Following the discussion, our clinical leadership team, including Dwyer, Michele Buscher, our Chief Nursing Officer (Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation) and Denise McCann, our Chief Nursing Officer (Assisted Living, Memory Care and Adult Day Services). The panel answered questions and presented information to help caregivers and families who have a loved one with a dementia-related illness.

Board Spotlight: Dana Levy Brings Experience and Expertise

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It takes the efforts and support of an entire community to empower Sagepoint Senior Living to provide the level of care that our patients and their families deserve. Our success can be attributed in no small part to our volunteer Board of Directors, made up of talented, compassionate and generous leaders throughout Southern Maryland.

Board member Dana Levy is a shining example of the impact that such people can have on the work that we do each day. Levy is the chairwoman of our Quality Assurance Performance Development and Compliance Committee, which ensures that we are doing all we can to provide the highest levels of care.

Decades of Nursing Experience

She brings exceptional credentials and years of experience to the role. In her full-time job, Levy is Vice President of Nursing Services and Chief Nursing Officer at University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata. She’s been a registered nurse for more than 25 years and brings more than 15 years of experience in nursing leadership roles.

Though Levy has been a fixture in Southern Maryland since 2013, her nursing career has taken her to seven states and 16 medical facilities. She holds a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix, Arizona campus, and a bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Toledo. She’s also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Organization for Nurse Executives, and the American Nurses Association.

We are so grateful that she has chosen to share her time and talents with the team at Sagepoint.

Memory Care Makes a Difference

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It’s the most frustrating thing in the world when suddenly everything from the most impactful moments of your life to cherished memories with loved ones seems to disappear overnight. Nothing is sacred when it comes to memory loss, a devastating reality that many will struggle to come to terms with. When dealing with dementia, it’s incredibly important to arm yourself with the information needed to navigate the unknown. Because with the right tools, you can help your loved ones live a fulfilling life after their dementia diagnosis.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is the deterioration of memory in ways that affect thinking and behavior within everyday life. The result is a loss in capacity that exceeds what can be accounted for through normal aging. And for so many elderly individuals, this is the main factor that increases their dependency on others. One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, however, there are many other known types that present in various ways.

Who Is Affected?

Nearly 10 million new cases each year contribute to this world-wide epidemic with nearly 50 million individuals affected in total, according to the World Health Organization. Plus — since age is the strongest known risk factor of dementia — as the population continues to grow, a rise in dementia cases can also be expected in the coming years. Because of its broad impact on so many facets of daily life, dementia will not only bring new and overwhelming changes for the individual but will also deeply affect family members and others in their social circle.

How Is Dementia Treated?

While there is no known treatment to cure dementia at this time, there are a number of ways to improve the lives of those affected by dementia. One of the best things you can do is diagnose dementia early, from there it will be easier to discern exactly what impact it’s having on the individual and what type of care would be best for their particular symptoms to optimize their well-being.

Memory Care Solutions

At Sagepoint, there are a variety of Memory Care options available at our facility. Our highly trained staff is always on hand, providing top-notch supervision and compassionate care. Each day activities and trips are provided to keep our residents active and engaged. The Opening Minds Through Art activities are a perfect example of how we tap into the creative pathways that are still active so that our residents can create something that they’re proud of.

Along with doing all we can to care for our residents with dementia, we’re also focused on educating our wider community about this widespread syndrome. Earlier this winter we had the opportunity to work with our community leaders during Leadership Southern Maryland’s Healthcare Day. There, we led a demonstration that provided a glimpse into the struggles that dementia patients face each day, as well as the challenges that our healthcare community works to overcome.

Meet the People Whose Lives Are Made Better By Your Generosity

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We know that there are many worthy causes out there.

We also know that you can’t give to support them all.

But we would be honored and grateful if you would consider a tax-deductible, year-end gift to support Sagepoint.

Watch the videos below to hear from our patients and their families. And to get a glimpse of the difference your donation can make right here in Charles County.

These are the people you’re supporting. These are the lives you’re changing.

It feels so good to give, and it only takes a few moments and a few clicks.

Thank you from the bottom of our grateful hearts.

A Brief Guide to Medicare and Understanding Your Options

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By Sharon Wagner, SeniorFriendly.info

Medicare is a blessing to many seniors, but navigating all of your options and deciding on a plan can be extremely overwhelming. How are you supposed to know which plan you need, which insurance companies to trust, and how to enroll? There are many things to consider when choosing your plan and nearly endless options when you look beyond the basic federal program. Hopefully, this guide can clear up a few things and point you in the right direction.

Finding Plans in Your Area

To start, it’s important to know what kinds of Medicare plans are available in your area. The government website Medicare.gov provides a handy search tool for finding Medicare Part C and Part D plans. This can help you narrow down your choices based on certain criteria, such as whether you need drug coverage and which pharmacies you would like included in your plan. Take a look at this useful step-by-step guide for help using the search tool.

Learning About Basic Medicare

Original Medicare, also called Medicare Part A and B, is the most basic coverage provided by the government for seniors 65 and older. Original Medicare covers things like hospital stays and outpatient doctor’s services. Most people will not have to pay anything for Part A, but everyone must pay a monthly premium for Part B. It’s also important to understand that Original Medicare will not pay for 100 percent of the services it covers; you will still have out-of-pocket costs from deductibles and copayments. This is why many people supplement their Medicare plans.

Understanding Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and are similar to health insurance plans you may have signed up for in the past. In addition to everything covered by Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage plans offer additional coverage for things like hearing, vision, and dental. These plans may also include daily living assistance and lifestyle support, such as transportation or meal delivery services. US News explains the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage based on different criteria you may have.

You’ll notice that many Medicare Advantage plans have no premiums. These can be a good option for people who are healthy and looking to save money while still being protected from large medical expenses. These zero-premium plans typically have high deductibles, meaning you’ll have to pay more for your services before your plan will cover the rest. Choosing a plan with a higher premium may be a better option if you have a chronic condition or some other reason to require regular medical care.

Medicare Part D for Drug Coverage

Medicare Part D, which is also offered by private insurance companies, covers prescription drugs. You can add Part D to your Original Medicare plan. However, the majority of Medicare Advantage plans include Part D. According to Investopedia, the costs associated with Medicare Part D are fairly similar to the premiums, deductibles, and copayments of any standard medical insurance plan. Before picking a plan, it’s important to consider the particular drugs you need to be covered since certain plans cover different drugs. Using the Medicare.gov search tool mentioned above can help you find Part D plans that will cover your prescriptions.

Considering Medigap

Finally, Medigap is yet another option for supplementary coverage offered by private insurance companies. Medigap specifically covers the gaps in Original Medicare. This can be beneficial for people who anticipate future chronic conditions and are worried about expensive healthcare needs. There are several Medigap plans to choose from, so think carefully about the kind of coverage you need most. Some plans have coverage for travel emergencies, whereas others are better for covering the deductibles and copayments from your Original Medicare plan.

Getting the most out of Medicare means taking the time to learn about your plans and coverage options. Continue to do your research and check out some of the resources mentioned here. Although it will take some serious planning to evaluate your choices, consider your criteria, and anticipate your future care needs, this will help you secure your health for the future.

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Sagepoint Launches Fourth Annual Photo Contest

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We are excited to announce our fourth annual Images of Aging Photo Contest and hope you will enter! To enter, submit a photo of a senior(s) and their favorite pet. During the first week of March, you and everyone else can vote for your favorite entries. You can even share your uploaded photos with your friends to boost your votes. The winning photo recreation, as determined via Facebook/Instagram (likes), will receive $200 (USD) in the form of a gift card. Two additional winners, as determined via the Sagepoint Community and Sagepoint Staff, will each receive $50 (USD) in the form of a gift card. Entries must be submitted electronically via our submission form below. There is no entry fee, however individuals may only submit one (1) entry into the contest. The contest ends Wednesday, February 28, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. EST (U.S.).