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Dispute resolved, management and caregivers at Lexington Excel Center promote quality care and building improvements

LEXINGTON, MA (January 16, 2015) – Ownership and caregivers at the Excel Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation have put aside their differences and officially resolved all labor disputes.

Management and caregivers say their energy is now fully focused on additional ways to strengthen the already high level of care at the nursing home through dialogue, enhanced education and a renewed spirit that can be felt throughout the building.

However, the resolution of a prior dispute and the renewed focus on care are not the only factors driving the collaboration. Zenith Care Health Group has made significant new investments in the physical property, including refurbished resident rooms and a state of the art therapy gym.

“Our residents are thriving, our staff is stronger than ever, and now we are bringing state of the art equipment and technology into a seriously upgraded, more resident and staff friendly environment,” said Jamie Thurston, Director of Admissions and Community Relations for Excel Center.

These pro-active steps are part of forging a new culture of collaboration at the Excel Center. Morale amongst caregivers is once again elevated in light of the recent changes and residents are seeing an even higher level of care through opportunities and important new investments.

“It’s gratifying to be a part of management and staff working together in new ways to provide such exceptional care to Excel Center residents,” said Dan Larouche, Regional Director of Operations for Zenith. “Zenith and Excel Center are proud to support our outstanding team of health professionals and caregivers. We remain committed to furthering our mission of providing the highest quality care to our seniors.”

The renewed focus on collaboration between staff and management comes following the resolution of a dispute between Zenith and Excel Center caregivers that occurred last summer.

“We went through a difficult period last summer, but 1199SEIU members are looking forward to working together with Zenith,” said Herbert Jean-Baptiste, Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “It’s a new day at Excel Center. Joint labor-management dialogue is critical and is helping to move Excel Center forward on every level. 1199SEIU members are proud to provide a high level of quality care to the many seniors and their families who rely on Excel.”

“We have an important job caring for the seniors and we do that job with pride and excellence,” said a Marie Leger, a Certified Nursing Assistant and 1199SEIU member with 25 years of service at the Excel Center and the former Golden Living Center. “Excel Center is a great resource for seniors and families, and I’m proud of the fact that we care for patients like members of our own family.”

Zenith management and 1199SEIU caregivers have agreed to continue pursuing new levels of care satisfaction and innovation through a joint labor-management committee.

Both parties want the public and families of the residents to know that they stand behind the quality care and recent improvements made at Excel Center, and that all labor disputes within the facility have been officially resolved, clearing the path for a new level of understanding and dialogue within the Lexington facility.

Editors’ note: The nursing home facility now known as Excel Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, previously Golden Living Center at Lexington, recently announced a rebranding/renaming as part of their effort to promote new initiatives and high quality care.

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About Zenith Care Health Group:

“Zenith Care Health Group is dedicated to providing compassionate, family-oriented short and long-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. With a strong emphasis on sub-acute care, post-acute care, and long term services, Zenith Care Health Group is a group of dynamic and innovative industry leaders in promoting its services as well as focusing on transforming traditional ‘nursing homes’ into skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities. The company, its principals, and its investors seek to continue their mission of improving the quality of as many lives as possible and actively seek to grow and acquire more facilities.”

About 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East:

“Representing more than 400,000 healthcare workers throughout Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Florida, and Washington, D.C., 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. Our mission is to ensure quality healthcare and quality jobs for all.

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