DES MOINES - On Sep 30th, officials from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) presented the second of two 2022 Governor's Awards for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities.

"I want to commend The Bridges at Ankeny for going above and beyond to give its residents the quality care they need, while providing the sense of comfort and community they deserve," said Governor Reynolds. "I want to thank the staff for their dedication to the health and wellbeing of those under their care and congratulate them for earning this award."

The Bridges at Ankeny is a 70-bed nursing facility located at 3510 NW Abilene Road in Ankeny. Administrator Brodey Hanson accepted the award during a ceremony at the facility.

On their recent visit, DIA staff toured the three "neighborhoods" that make up The Bridges. The neighborhoods have their own kitchen and dining areas, screened-in porches, gathering areas, and laundry rooms. There are large windows that line the hallways and resident areas.

The facility also has a large therapy suite staffed with physical therapists and restorative aides, with state-of-the-art equipment for resident rehabilitation.

DIA Director Larry Johnson, Jr., said, "This is a beautiful facility. But the best part of The Bridges is the dedication and heart demonstrated every day by the administration and staff. It is clear staff love what they do."

One resident and four family members of residents nominated the facility for the award.

Frieda Griffin is the resident who nominated Bridges. She said the residents are respected by the staff. She also noted that residents are informed in a timely manner of any changes that may affect them, that the rooms are cleaned well and often, and that the staff are well trained.

"Great nurses!" she exclaimed.

One overarching theme in the nominations from family members was the praise they gave the administration and staff.

Karen Lyman said the staff interacts with the residents and that they truly care about them and their families. "They are kind to the residents," she said. "They don't just go through the motions."

"This facility has gone above and beyond," Esther Vogel said, when caring for her mother. "[The staff] made us all feel like family and were very attentive to all her needs."

Larry Overton pointed out what a fantastic job The Bridges has done protecting the residents during the COVID pandemic, with their "consistent use of safety protocols for the residents, staff, and family members."

He had a lot to say about the activities and programs that The Bridges provides: movie nights, bingo, bean bag baseball, crafts, field trips, and even catered meals for the residents and their families.

And the reason The Bridges is a great facility? "In my opinion, it all starts with the staff," he said. "The Bridges administration and staff provide an environment which provides a warm and congenial atmosphere."

Linda Odson said one of the keys to success for Bridges was that the administration treats the staff well. "Happy staff take better care of the residents," she said.

"They make my mother feel special," she added. "I thought my mother would be so unhappy when she could no longer live independently but she is incredibly happy at the Bridges. She told me she feels safe."

The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals is committed to protecting the health and safety of Iowans through regulation and oversight of health care, food, and gaming; application of administrative law; and investigation of Medicaid and welfare fraud.