Long-term care quality ratings vary widely among different institutions across the country, according to a recent study. The study examined CMS’ Nursing Home Compare system ratings of nearly 16,000 nursing homes across the country. The agency began posting the ratings on its Nursing Home Compare Website last year. The rating system uses a five-star scale to rate facilities on issues such as bed sores, fire safety and food preparation.
The study examined CMS data and found that:
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Facilities operated by for-profit organizations tended to have lower ratings than not-for-profit institutions;
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Institutions with higher nurse-to-patient ratios generally had higher ratings;
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Long-term care facilities with more than 100 beds tended to have lower scores for all categories;
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Nursing homes located in Southern states generally had lower ratings, while Northeastern facilities tended to achieve higher scores; and
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Slightly more than 20% of U.S. nursing homes regularly received the lowest ratings, while 12% to 13% received the highest score.
Challenges of Quality Comparison
Some observers have criticized the Nursing Home Compare system for excluding certain factors from its rating rubric. For example, the site does not include patient-satisfaction ratings or in-depth data on specific staffing levels. CMS officials said they are working to add more comprehensive information to the site. In the meantime, the agency suggested that consumers should use the system as a starting point when evaluating options for nursing home care.
Berman & Riedel, LLP is a San Diego based law firm that focuses on advocating for victims of elder abuse and neglect throughout the state of California. If you would like to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable nursing home attorney, call Berman & Riedel, LLP today at (858) 350-8855. Our staff will happily provide you and your family with an initial free consultation to discuss with you any questions or concerns you may have regarding the care an elderly loved one is receiving in a nursing home or other type of elder care facility. To learn more about the firm’s elder abuse and neglect law practice, visit the firm’s main website at www.preventelderabuse.com.
