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Nursing Home Compare is a web-based
service provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to
help consumers compare different nursing homes. The information
is based on findings by surveyors during the annual inspection
performed in every nursing home that participates in the Medicare
program. The information can be obtained at the CMS Nursing Home
Compare website. When you access this information, however, keep
in mind that it sometimes is more than a year old. Also, facilities
with excellent track records sometimes experience a problem on
survey which may be written up in a manner that makes it appear
widespread. Likewise, a facility with only an average reputation
may be able to get through survey without any major findings
and appear better than it deserves. The information is helpful,
but needs to be validated with a site visit. When you visit a
facility, follow these ten steps to getting the information you
need. |
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1. Insist on touring the nursing unit where your loved one would
likely be placed--don't just tour the lobby and dining room.
2. Speak to the nurse in charge
on the unit and ask how the unit is staffed on all three shifts.
3. Observe residents, especially
for how they are dressed and groomed, and whether or not there
are any odors.
4. Try to meet a family member
and ask them how well the facility responds when there is a problem.
5. Watch the residents as they
are assisted with lunch or dinner--does there appear to be enough
help?
6. Check if the facility allows
24 hour unannounced visiting by families--always a good sign
that they have nothing to hide.
7. Ask what rehabilitation services
are available for long term residents, and not just for the short
term rehabilitation patients.
8. Look into what pastoral care
services are available and whether the faith tradition of your
family member is represented.
9. Interview the medical director
and ask whether intravenous fluids, antibiotics, etc. are available
to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations for brief illnesses.
10. Trust your instincts--would
you feel comfortable living in the facility yourself? If not,
you probably will not be satisfied with your decision to place
your loved one in the facility.
For more information on nursing
homes and how to choose the best one for your loved one, visit
www.nursinghomeadvice.info
© Copyright, 2006 All rights
reserved, Joseph J. Tomaino, The Tomaino Group, 834 Heritage
Court, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 www.continuingcareinsite.info Email: jtomaino@continuingcareinsite.info.
About the Author
Joseph Tomaino is a patient
care executive, educator, and consultant. His business, The Tomaino Group, provides consultative
services and products that support the cost effective provision
of quality patient care in acute, sub-acute, long term care,
and home care settings. |
