For the third consecutive year, all three neuro-medical treatment centers operated by the Department of Health and Human Services have earned the highest possible ratings in North Carolina and in the United States, says U.S. News and World Report.

The ratings are compiled by the news organization from scores posted online by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), on its Nursing Home Compare website, which provides star ratings for nursing homes. Top score is five stars.

Black Mountain, Longleaf and O’Berry Neuro-Medical Treatment Centers all received five-star ratings. They are specialized long-term care facilities, serving people whose needs cannot be met in traditional nursing homes.

If you visit any of these facilities, you will quickly see that meeting regulations is the least that they do toward enhancing the quality of life for their residents. From Main Street at Longleaf, a side stop for Sweet Treats at O’Berry and a special vacation cottage nestled away in Black Mountain, life quality is a top priority and guardian/family satisfaction is near 98 percent. 

Around every corner, in every department, on each unit, wing and group home are the DHHS employees who make these facilities what they are. They are dedicated, compassionate and skilled employees who treat the residents how they would want to be treated.