Worst nursing homes identified throughout U.S.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have released a report identifying the worst nursing homes in America. Fifty four nursing homes from 34 different states were identified as the worst facilities out of 120 homes designated as a “special focus facility.” Poor performance reviews and violations of safety standards are often an indicator that a resident may face a high risk for an injury caused by nursing home neglect.
CMS tracks nursing homes which require more oversight and more frequent inspections by designating them as a “special focus facility”. The 54 worst nursing homes repeatedly appeared on this list and failed to make improvements in the quality of care, or were found to only temporarily improve and then relapse with further violations.
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This is the first year that the list of worst nursing homes has been released to the public. While the companies which own and manage these nursing homes may complain about the “scarlet letter” it places on their facility, regulators and families of nursing home residents hope that it will be a catalyst for change at these homes. The public disclosure of the worst performing nursing homes, and the pressure it places on a facility to stay off of this list, will also hopefully act as a deterrent to other homes which commonly fall in and out of compliance.
The nursing home ratings were based on inspections required for all facilities which receive federal payments from Medicare or Medicaid. Inspection reports evaluate a nursing home’s ability to provide quality care, by looking at things like their ability to give residents proper medical treatment and medications, maintenance of good hygiene, accident prevention and assistance with activities of daily living.
About 1.5 million people live in a nursing home throughout the United States, and the government pays about $72 billion each year to subsidize the cost of elderly care through Medicare and Medicaid. The facilities designated as among the worst nursing homes are not taken off of the subsidy list, but are required to show long-term improvement and are subject to greater scrutiny.
National statistics indicate that about half of all nursing homes designated as a “special focus facility” improve significantly within 2 to 2 1/2 hears after being labeled as sub-standard. The ones that do not improve, or who repeatedly fall out of compliance with the minimum requirements of care, are now publicly disclosed on the list of worst nursing homes. Roughly 16% of the “special focus facilities” are removed from Medicare/Medicaid after showing prolonged lack of improvement.
NURSING HOME LAWSUITS FOR POOR CARE
The nursing home lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. investigate potential claims for abuse and neglect which occur at facilities throughout the United States. In addition to seeking compensation for the resident and their family, nursing home lawsuits also act as an important safeguard to encourage facilities to provide the proper standard of medical care.
If you, a friend or family member suffered a severe injury or death as a result of poor nursing home care, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
