MediLodge receives state award
Steve SchulwitzJustin Moreau and the other administrators of Hillman's MediLodge work tirelessly training and educated their staff. Moreau realizes that in order to offer the best in client care, it is necessary to have top notch workers on the floor 24-7.
All the hard work has paid off in a big way for the employees, management and consumers. It was announced last week that the facility was awarded the Calvin Monfil's Award, also known as the Facility of the Year Award.
Judges from the Healthcare Association of Michigan visited the home two weeks ago and combed through the building recording grades as they went along. For the next week Moreau experience a rollercoaster of emotions as he anticipated the results.
"I was on pins and needles all week," Moreau said. "There was enthusiasm and excitement, because I knew we had a chance. The judges left here very pleased and in a very good mood. Within 10 minutes of finding out that we had won, I was outside on a ladder measuring where I was going to hang the banner recognizing our achievement."
In September the facility and its personnel will be featured in a video salute and officially receive the award at a convention at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant. Moreau knows the award wouldn't have become a reality if it wasn't for the hard work and dedication of the staff. As a credit to them, he is going to do something special so they get the acknowledgment he said they deserve.
"I am going to take about 20 people with me and take them up on the stage with me after the video presentation. I want them to be alongside me when they hand us the award," Moreau said. "They are a very proud bunch and receiving the award kind of affirms what they already knew. it is a good way for them to be recognized for the work they do."
Moreau entered MediLodge into the contest in early March, and now that it has captured the highest state honor, he is going to aim much higher.
"I could enter again next year, but I'm not sure if they would award it to the same facility two years in a row because it just doesn't happen," Moreau said. "However I do intend to apply for the American Healthcare Association Quality Award. It is the national version of this award."
Steve Schulwitz can be reached via e-mail at sschulwtiz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689.
