Golden Years named Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report
By Heather Ruenz
SLN staff
Golden Years Health Center, Walworth, was recently identified as one of the Best Nursing Homes according to U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in health care rankings.
The Walworth location received high performing ratings in both the overall and short-stay rehabilitation areas. Golden Years has a new facility in Lake Geneva that opened in May, but it was too new to be considered this year.
Golden Years got its start in 1960 when Vic Carbrey, who was 80 at the time, began building a nursing home, which opened in 1965. In 1969, Carbrey sold it to Eugene and Margaret Austin. Their son, Richard, joined them in running the facility and in 1980, he and his wife, Linda, purchased it.
Rich, who still co-owns the facility with his wife and serves as executive director, said maintaining the quality of care has been key to their success.
“The industry’s changed so much on every level. It used to be every community had nursing homes – ma-and-pa places. That translates to us through quality care. Many of our staff have worked here for 20 to 30 years and we all know our residents,” he said.
Helping run Golden Years are his son, Jeff, and son-in-law, Jon Stankevitz.
“The history of Golden Years is to serve seniors as best we can,” said Stankevitz, who is co-owner and administrator at the Lake Geneva facility.
The Walworth location reaching its limits on expansion led the family to build the facility in Lake Geneva.
“Lake Geneva has a different market and there are several phases we plan to implement,” Stankevitz said.
“The 30 beds is the first of four phases and will be followed by dementia care, assisted living and independent living – in increments for years down the road,” Rich said. “And with the subdivision around the Lake Geneva facility, we’ll be right there to offer varying levels of care and options.”
Rich said they’ve been blessed with remarkable employees.
“One of the miracles is that we find these diamonds in the rough – people with the right heart who help us take care of, and advocate for, our seniors,” Rich said.
“It’s a paycheck but that’s not why they’re here – they love our patients,” Jeff added.
Read more in the Dec. 21 Times/Reporter.
