Newport News, VHS and Virginia Long Term Care Advocates Come Together to Discuss Priorities for Senior Care

A shared goal to align priorities and options for senior care and related workforce opportunities in the Newport News community brought together leadership from Newport News, the Virginia Health Care Association - Virginia Center for Assisted Living (VHCA-VCAL) and three Virginia Health Services (VHS) skilled nursing and assisted living communities this month. Marquis Health Consulting Services, which supports the VHS portfolio, hosted the gathering for property tours and a roundtable discussion on quality benchmarks and supporting career development in the senior care sector.

Newport News Vice Mayor Curtis Bethany noted, “Virginia Health Services served our community well for decades, and since Marquis became involved last year it’s clear that strong foundation is being honored and expanded upon through an even greater commitment to quality care. Communities thrive when their youngest and oldest neighbors are cared for with intention and dignity. The Marquis-VHS connection reflects that belief and helps ensure our seniors receive the care they deserve.”

Additional guests from Newport News government included Jay Grant, administrator of Housing and Neighborhood Services, and Terri Francis, manager of Neighborhood Services. Keith Hare, president and CEO of VHCA-VCAL, the state’s largest association representing long term care, also attended. The group visited Atlantic View Post Acute (formerly James River Nursing & Rehabilitation Center), Newport Post Acute (formerly Newport Nursing & Rehabilitation Center) and The Huntington Assisted Living.

“One of the best ways we can advocate for Virginia’s seniors is by making sure our elected officials and community leaders such as Vice Mayor Bethany see for themselves the wonderful care they receive from the staff in centers like Newport, Atlantic View and The Huntington,” said Hare. “This kind of compassionate, local care helps people on the road to meaningful recovery and quality of life.”

Marquis’ Joe DeMattos, senior vice president of public affairs, echoed the importance of partnership and collaboration in helping to ensure quality of life for the region’s people in need of quality care and the professionals who serve them. “Our thanks to Vice Mayor Bethany, Jay, Terri and Keith for meeting with us and for their unwavering dedication to community,” he said. “We look forward to continued discussions.”

VHS has been a senior healthcare staple in southeastern Virginia since 1963. The VHS portfolio includes seven skilled nursing facilities, three assisted living and senior living communities, and ancillary companies in the senior care arena.

Marquis Health Consulting Services provides administrative consulting services to skilled nursing facilities and senior living communities along the Eastern Seaboard. The company’s “Care, anew” philosophy supports its mission to help clients transform industry processes, mindsets and outcomes. Marquis-serviced skilled nursing centers have access to an evolving suite of clinician-led specialty care models, signature services and comfort features – enabling innovation, compassion and purpose in every aspect of care.