#United States #Austin #Senior Care #Quality Award #Curana Health

Curana Health's Milestone Achievement in Senior Care Recognition

In an impressive showcase of caregiving excellence, Curana Health has proudly announced that 113 of its partner communities have earned honors in the 2026 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. This recognition not only underscores their commitment to quality improvement but also highlights the importance of operational excellence and a focused commitment to resident-centered care. As the largest provider-led primary care company for senior living and skilled nursing facilities in the U.S., Curana’s efforts in strengthening the healthcare framework for seniors are truly commendable.

Curana Health is deeply rooted in collaborative practices, working hand in hand with its partners to enhance care coordination while fostering quality improvement initiatives. This year marks a notable increase in recognition from 65 communities in 2025 to 113 in 2026, reflecting a staggering 74% growth. Overall, the national program, which is administered by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, saw an increase in recipients from 878 to 1,168, amounting to a 33% rise. This robust growth signifies a growing trend where more facilities are rising to the challenge of meeting the rigorous standards set forth by the National Quality Award Program, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Throughout the award's history, this initiative has utilized the Baldrige Excellence Framework, providing a structured approach for long-term and post-acute care organizations to deliver high-quality care. The program encourages participating communities to demonstrate measurable advancements in leadership, strategic planning, as well as resident and staff satisfaction. It is a testament to the dedication and adherence to high standards that Curana Health instills within its network of communities.

Mark Price, the Chief Executive Officer of Curana Health, emphasized that the awards reflect the unwavering commitment of caregivers and staff who work relentlessly to provide exceptional care daily. He noted, "These honors belong to the communities and caregivers who show up every day committed to delivering exceptional care. We’re encouraged to see more communities achieving this recognition each year. The result is healthier residents, greater peace of mind for families, and stronger quality performance for operators."

Dr. Chao, President and Chief Medical Officer of Curana Health, shared insights into the philosophy behind quality care. He stated, "Quality is not a single initiative. It is built through thousands of clinical decisions made every day. Our medical directors and advanced practice providers are on-the-ground partners in quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI), medication stewardship, and survey preparedness, and this recognition reflects what is possible when clinical and operational teams align toward measurable improvement."

Within this thriving partnership framework, Curana Health provides a variety of supportive services to enhance clinical outcomes. They focus on critical aspects such as medication management, preparation for surveys, and reducing unnecessary hospitalizations. The collaborative efforts aim to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from a well-structured healthcare delivery system tailored specifically for the elderly.

Curana Health not only stands out for its impressive operational growth but also for its unique approach to integrating on-site clinical care with value-based payment programs and Medicare Advantage plans. This comprehensive model ensures that no other organization matches the level of service and commitment Curana provides. By improving health outcomes for over 250,000 residents in more than 2,000 communities across 34 states, Curana demonstrates that quality care does not compromise on economic viability; rather, it showcases how both aspects are inherently connected.

As the sector advances, Curana Health remains dedicated to its mission: elevating the health, happiness, and dignity of seniors. The strong performance measures seen in its partner communities reflect a deep-rooted commitment to resilience and quality in the face of ever-evolving healthcare challenges. From enhanced caregiver training programs to updated operational practices, Curana is setting industry standards. With such remarkable achievements, Curana Health is undoubtedly paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for senior healthcare across the nation.