Julian Hazlett serves as Executive Director at The Peaks Care Center Care Center, a skilled nursing and assisted living facility in Longmont, Colorado. The community received a 2025 AHCA/NCAL Bronze National Quality Award, reflecting a strong commitment to its staff, residents, families, and the local community.
The Quality Journey from Start to Now
The Peaks Care Center Care Center began its Quality Award journey in 2024, applying for Bronze but not receiving it on the first attempt. Instead of viewing this as a setback, Julian and his team saw it as an opportunity: “We took that as a chance to closely review the criteria, re-examine the award process, and identify where we could improve. We reapplied this past year and received the award.”
Julian emphasized that the process was a team effort: “Our facility is very team-focused and team-driven, so it was important to get everyone’s support. We made sure the team understood why we were applying, what the award means, and how it reflects our daily commitment to providing excellent care.”
A major area of growth for the team was connecting their achievements to their mission and vision: “We made sure we all understood those statements and could directly connect our results to them. Being able to highlight that played a big role in earning the award.”
Valuing People
At The Peaks Care Center Care Center, valuing people is demonstrated daily through teamwork and flexibility: “No matter what department we work in, whether it’s me as the Executive Director, an instructor, or a housekeeper, we never say, ‘it’s not my job’.
“For example, during a recent menu change, the kitchen was hectic, and without being asked, our receptionist and admissions coordinator jumped in to help serve meals, bus tables, and get drinks for residents. That willingness to help, regardless of role, reflects our commitment not only to each other as a team but also to the care and outcomes we provide to our residents.”
Customer-Focused Excellence
The Peaks Care Center team frequently goes above and beyond for residents: “Our transportation driver sometimes stops at Dairy Queen to get ice cream for new residents because she knows it’s something they enjoy. If a resident likes a special food or drink that we don’t typically serve, some of our staff will go out and get it for them. Our business office manager often notices if a resident needs something like socks or a sweater in the winter and will go out and get it for them, especially if family hasn’t been able to visit in a while. One our CNAs makes sure her residents’ hair is styled in a way they always liked when they were younger.
“We also have a nurse, recently nominated for the Colorado Healthcare Association award, who updates almost every family member after her shift about their loved one’s condition far beyond what is required. There are so many examples of our staff making a difference.”
And it’s not just the residents who see this above and beyond care: “Families notice. We get feedback from families daily and weekly recognizing staff for the care and attention they provide. It means a great deal to them to see that we’re willing to go beyond what’s required.”
Innovation
Innovation at The Peaks Care Center has ranged from major changes to small but meaningful projects: “One of the bigger accomplishments we highlighted in our award application was moving from a two-star to a five-star facility. That was a significant achievement, but it was made possible by a series of smaller projects along the way.
“One example is in dietary services. Residents wanted more input into the menu, so our dietary director now meets with them monthly and rotates four new recipes into the menu each month. These recipes often come from residents or their families and are meals they’ve enjoyed in the past or grew up with. It gives them something to look forward to and reinforces that they are being heard and valued. Their input matters, and even if its small innovation they get to see their input reflected in their daily lives.”
Societal Contribution
The Peaks Care Center also emphasizes contributions beyond the facility. Among several partnerships, one stands out – their work with Kuda Vana, a children’s orphanage in Africa: “We do quarterly fundraisers where residents help make and sell items like nachos, burritos, or baked goods. The proceeds go to the orphanage, and we stay in close contact with them to support their mission. Our residents are deeply involved—they help run the register, serve food, and even go door-to-door to staff offices to sell items.”
Looking Forward
Looking ahead, The Peaks Care Center plans to continue advancing in its Quality Award journey: “We plan to review our application in detail, look at what helped us succeed, and continue applying for the Silver and eventually the Gold Award. We don’t want to stop here; we want to keep moving forward.”
Final Advice
Julian encourages others to approach the Quality Award process as a team commitment: “This is not a one-person effort, and it’s not something that can be done at the last minute. You need a dedicated leader to drive the application, but also the full commitment of your team. Everyone should understand what the award means and why you’re applying. Take the time to do it thoroughly. It’s worth it.”