By Jolene Farley
The Tuff Memorial Home, Hills, received a deficiency-free survey from the Minnesota Department of Health in December, according to administrator Dana Dahlquist.
A yearly inspection for compliance with both state and federal care guidelines is administered every year.
Dahlquist said he was very pleased with this year’s results. "It’s fairly unusual," he said. "It’s kind of a nice thank you for the job we do."
Dahlquist said the nursing home has had a deficiency-free survey only twice in his 16 years as administrator.
Most of the more than 400 nursing homes in Minnesota average five to seven deficiencies on their inspections, according to Dahlquist.
"They look at a number of different areas," he said.
Inspectors look at the quality of care given and physical environment. The residents are questioned about the care they receive and staff is observed.
"We have a number of laws that we have to meet both statewide and federal," he said.
Facilities have 10 days to respond after receiving a deficiency. Nursing homes are allowed 30 days to correct minor problems but may be required to correct severe infractions immediately or a fine can be imposed.
"I would like to thank my staff," Dahlquist said. "I think we have a staff that cares a lot about the residents. They do a lot of things that don’t always get noticed."