← NewsAll
Choosing a nursing home can help protect a loved one
Summary
Moves to nursing homes or assisted living often happen suddenly, and federal CMS star ratings can flag problematic nursing homes though they rely on self-reported data and have limits.
Content
Moves into nursing homes or assisted living often follow sudden changes such as a fall, declining memory, or the loss of a caregiving partner. The article outlines factors families and caregivers may encounter when searching for long-term care. It notes that regulation and oversight vary by setting, with nursing homes subject to federal CMS monitoring while assisted living is regulated by states.
Noted considerations:
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services maintains star ratings and records for nursing homes that include ownership, staffing levels, and violations, but the article reports these ratings rely in part on self-reported data and have limits.
- Experts quoted in the article say low star ratings can indicate serious problems, while higher-rated and nonprofit homes may show stronger staffing, though ratings are not a complete measure.
- The article reports that visits often reveal cultural signals, such as persistent noise, call bells, odors, or how staff speak and make eye contact with residents.
- It also mentions seeking input from families of current residents and contacting a local long-term care ombudsman as additional sources of information.
Summary:
The article highlights that sudden care needs drive many searches for long-term care and that publicly available ratings and on-site observations are part of how families assess options. Undetermined at this time.
