Letter from our President and CEO

October 8, 2009

Dear Resident:

            You may have been reading the series in the Chicago Tribune lately regarding certain Illinois nursing homes that provide services to psychiatric patients, including some with criminal histories. The reports were heart-breaking and disturbing, especially in regard to tragic instances when residents came to harm at the hands of another resident.

            I believe you already know, but to offer some reassurance, Friendship Village has never sought a license to receive and care for residents with psychiatric diagnoses. Furthermore, we comply with all state requirements for conduct of criminal background checks both on our prospective employees and on prospective Briarwood residents.

            Friendship Village manages a very large, comprehensive continuum of health-related services to meet the needs of our residents, including Home Services, Assisted Living, Memory Support and Skilled Nursing Care. We are proud of our care team, and every day we work diligently to address the needs of hundreds of residents. Our services are rated highly by regulators and by our peers. 

            What the Chicago Tribune story reminds us in a much larger context is that no “institution” or community is perfect. Mistakes do happen. We occasionally make mistakes here at Friendship Village, even in spite of our best efforts and the superlative team we having working in your behalf. After all, we are a human community working with hundreds of associates on a 24-hour basis. What I believe distinguishes us from many others is that we acknowledge our mistakes and work diligently to correct and learn from our errors. As you know, perfection is a process, never an achievable end. 

            Our Governor will take appropriate remedial steps to address the issues that have come to light regarding those nursing homes that are faced with what must be terrible circumstances. We are fervent proponents of safety throughout our community. Our hearts go out to those patients who have suffered so much and their families. What we also take away from this story is that, each and every day, we re-commit ourselves to serving you the very best we can. Each day we commit anew to become a better organization and to appreciate that our best safeguard by far is for each of us to demonstrate the great esteem that we hold for each of you.    

Sincerely,

Robert M. Alston

President and CEO