Mont Marie Health Care Center Scores Highest in Region in Survey

HOLYOKE — Family members rated the care that their loved ones receive at the Mont Marie Health Care Center as the best in Western Mass., according to a survey just released by the State Department of Public Health.

The Mont Marie Health Care Center, a not-for-profit skilled-nursing facility owned and operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, was among 430 nursing homes surveyed by the state last fall.

The center scored 4.79 in overall satisfaction, well above both the statewide average of 4.22 and the Western Mass average of 4.20 (on a scale of 1-5).

When asked if they would recommend the Mont Marie Health Care Center to a friend or family member, 98{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} of the respondents said ‘yes.’

Commenting on the high score, center Administrator Sr. Elizabeth Sullivan said, “the numbers indicate the trust level and credibility that family members have in our staff, who respond to the needs of residents on a daily basis with compassion, respect, and diligence.”

The survey collected detailed information about nursing-home staff, physical environment, activities, personal-care services, food and meals, and residents’ personal rights. It also asked respondents to rate overall satisfaction and ability to meet residents’ needs. Surveys were mailed to approximately 34,600 family members of nursing home residents across the state.

This is the third time the state has conducted this survey. The Mont Marie Health Care Center scored 4.64 in the first survey in 2005 and 4.63 in 2007.

The Mont Marie Health Care Center is a licensed, 84-bed facility. Originally built as an infirmary for the Sisters of St. Joseph, the center has been open to the public since 1995.