LRGHealthcare announces that both Franklin Regional Hospital (FRH) and Lakes Region General Hospital (LRGH) have received designation as NICHE hospitals. The NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) designation indicates a hospital’s commitment to elder care excellence.

The NICHE designation signals LRGHealthcare’s dedication to providing patient-centered care for older adult patients. Through their participation in the NICHE program – a leading elder care nursing program – LRGHealthcare is able to offer evidence-based, interdisciplinary approaches that promote better outcomes, positive experiences, and improved care for older adults. This leads to greater satisfaction rates for patients, their families, and staff.

“LRGHealthcare shows a tremendous commitment to meet the most critical challenge of our times – quality care of older adults,” says Barbara Bricoli, MPA, and Managing Director – NICHE. “The hospital’s dedication to drive continuous improvement processes and enhance care marks them as a leader in the field.”

The mission at LRGHealthcare Senior Services is that the staff of Senior Services will continuously strive towards compassion, excellence, and professionalism in their nursing practice. Through a unified effort in conjunction with LRGHealthcare, Senior Services pledges to deliver care that will assist their patients in achieving their optimal level of wellness, functional abilities, and comfort. Their primary focus is the maintenance of dignity and independence for physically and cognitively impaired individuals who are at the crossroads of their lives. They pledge to provide emotional support to the patient and family as the need arises.

Amy Thornton, RN, Director of LRGHealthcare Senior Services, states, “The implementation of the NICHE program will allow the nursing staff of LRGHealthcare to have the tools they need to provide evidence-based nursing to the population they are dedicated to caring for.”

For more information, visit LRGH.org or NICHEprogram.org.