The Nursing Home Compare report card, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, reports results of nursing home inspections that measure whether Medicare or Medicaid certified nursing homes meet minimum standards for a particular set of requirements. Do these report cards really impact improvements in nursing homes? A study by the University of California examined this by conducting a survey of over a thousand randomly selected nursing home administrators.
Survey results indicate that the report card does serve as an incentive to improve facilities. Most nursing homes reviewed their quality report card scores regularly and have made efforts to improve. Homes that were performing poorly were more likely to improve after the scores were published. The Nursing Home Compare report card seems to be serving a good purpose by encouraging nursing homes to improve.
Keep in mind that deficiencies that are not reported by the nursing homes are not reflected on the report card. Some feel that the reports should be more detailed. Results of inspections must be available onsite for public review. When looking for a nursing home, the report card should be used only as one part of the search. Several visitations to nursing homes and asking questions of concern are important before making decisions.
You can read more here about this study on the Nursing Home Compare report card.
This video titled “Nursing Home Heroes - a Tribute” celebrates the often unsung staff heroes in our nation’s nursing homes.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
"Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”
“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”
Shani the following is a great point. "When looking for a nursing home, the report card should be used only as one part of the search. Several visitations to nursing homes and asking questions of concern are important before making decisions". The report card is a vital piece but it must be mixed with on site visits and numerous in depth questions.
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