05/29/2026
Carolina Meadows Recognized
The Excellence in Innovation Award:
Carolina Meadows was honored at the LeadingAge North Carolina Annual Conference in Asheville with an Innovation Award recognizing the organization’s work related to fall prevention and resident safety in assisted living. The award highlighted the interdisciplinary initiative led by Jessica Drecktrah, Director of Nursing Services, as part of her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program through Duke University, and Michelle Marino, Wellness Manager.
The project focused on a nurse led, AI informed approach to fall risk assessment and prevention within The Fairways assisted living environment. The initiative demonstrated meaningful improvements in resident engagement and reductions in falls while also helping advance data informed care practices within the community.
This recognition reflects both Jessica and Michelle’s leadership and Carolina Meadows’ broader commitment to innovation, evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous improvement in resident care and quality outcomes.