A grand design. (Perspectives).

They say beauty is only skin deep. But in the case of this issue, beauty has become the foundation for effective facility operation, good staffing and caregiving. And, we've noticed that more of you have become aware that good design promotes effective operations.

More facility administrators entered this year's Order of Excellence awards competition than in previous years, showing their understanding of the role and importance of design in the overall success of a facility, according to our Jury Chair Rob Volzer.

Good design can promote better outcomes for Dementia and Alzheimer's residents, as well as other residents. Residents who are easier to handle make a caregiver's world immeasurably better. It also improves the training, recruitment and retention of staff. All of this, of course, leads to a more effective operation, which in turn protects the bottom line.

As Rob Volzer so eloquently puts it in his introduction to this year's winners: Merging operational issues with design strategies empower families and staff, and offer meaning and joy to residents' lives. For the beginning of our feature spread on the winners, please see page 20.

This year's judges also chose portions of three other facilities to feature as our Best Practice winners. These facilities were recognized for the innovation they displayed in a specific area. For these winners, please see page 38.

For your convenience, we've also included an entry form and guidelines for next year's competition on pages 14 and 15. And, with help from our judges, we have streamlined the awards program. We hope to see an entry from each one of you.

And, remember, we always welcome feedback so we can continue to improve the program and better serve your needs.

Pervin Lakdawalla, Editor