On June 15, Hebrew HealthCare in West Hartford began implementation of the NICHE program, a national geriatric nursing program to improve the care of adults 65 and over in a healthcare setting.

The program begins with administration of a survey to determine knowledge base levels. Upon completion of the survey, staff will take NICHE’s computer-based curriculum to demonstrate Hebrew HealthCare’s commitment to elder care excellence and patient satisfaction.

Begun 20 years ago, the mission of NICHE is to provide principles and tools to stimulate a change in the culture of healthcare facilities to achieve patient-centered care for older adults. Based at New York University College of Nursing, NICHE is implemented at more than 550 hospitals and healthcare organizations throughout the U.S., Canada, Bermuda and Singapore.

According to NICHE administrators, the program offers evidence-based approaches that promote better outcomes, positive experiences, and improved care for older adults. This leads to greater satisfaction for patients, their families and staff.

“Hebrew HealthCare has always been committed to investing in its staff as one of the surest ways to assure quality care to all those we serve,” said Bonnie Gauthier, president and CEO of Hebrew HealthCare. “We are excited and proud to be the first long-term care skilled nursing facility in our state to bring the NICHE program to all of our staff, and its benefits to all of our residents and patients.”