February
9, 2009
Dear
Editor:
Consumers
should be concerned about the Sunday Tribune’s “Watchdog” report on nursing
homes that relied heavily on the flawed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Systems (CMS) five-star ratings. It’s an incomplete piece of work that gives
the impression that all 1-star homes are the same and that all ratings are
legitimate.
The
Health Care Council of Illinois – which represents more than 500 nursing homes across
the state, has pointed out the problems with the rating system since it was
unveiled in December.
The
reporter and editors accepted the rating system at face value. However, had the
reporter investigated more thoroughly, he would have discovered that the rating
system does not:
- Measure innovative programs
or services that reach beyond basic care.
- Acknowledge that
nursing homes accept patients at all stages, including those who are
extremely ill with limited movement.
- Measure the staffing
turnover level – another crucial measuring point.
- Include any measures
of a facility’s level of customer satisfaction.
The
Tribune also offered incomplete and violation-centered tips on how to check a
nursing home. Consumers can obtain more valuable advice from the Health Care
Council of Illinois at http://www.nursinghome.org/areas.html.
The
Council recommends visiting several nursing homes, to compare their services
and programs.
Also:
- Meet the home’s admissions
representative and ask for a tour of the facility. Ask lots of questions.
Ask to see the dining rooms, therapy department and activity rooms.
- Ask about the therapy
programs, restorative interventions, psycho-social services and other
clinical specialties of the facility.
- Take a look at activities on the monthly
calendar. How many activities are offered each day?
- Speak to residents. Observe
the goings-on around the facility. Take notes.
- Ask the admissions
director about specialized programs to address the particular needs of
your loved one.
A
tour and face-to-face meetings with nursing home managers and staff allow
consumers to see the innovative programs and services that go beyond basic care, yet are not counted in the incomplete national rating
system.
Terrence
Sullivan
Regulatory Coordinator
Health Care Council of Illinois
3500
W. Peterson Avenue, Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60659