The health centers at Westminster Canterbury-Lynchburg have earned a five-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The rating, which Westminster Canterbury also earned in 2008, is awarded to CMS-certified nursing homes that excel in health inspections, staffing and quality measures.

"We strive every day to provide the best possible care to residents in Drinkard and Hearthside health centers," said Dan Nimon, Vice President of Health Services at Westminster Canterbury. "We are proud to be awarded a five-star quality rating."

CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help consumers, their families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily and help identify areas for which consumers may have questions.

Nimon noted that nursing homes vary in the quality of care and services they provide to their residents.

"Three important ways to measure nursing home quality are to look at health inspection results, staffing data and quality measures," said Nimon. "Anyone considering nursing or skilled nursing care should consider these factors as well as visit the health center and talk to nursing staff."

Westminster Canterbury, a LifeCare continuing care retirement community, offers short- and long-term nursing care, and skilled nursing care. Short-term rehabilitation is available to area residents. The community's Drinkard and Hearthside Health Centers provide care on a 24-hour basis by qualified, licensed or certified professionals. The health centers are licensed for 105 beds, 55 of which are private.