When a loved one needs the level of care provided by a nursing home or assisted living facility, the search process can feel daunting and overwhelming. With so much at stake, it's critical to look beyond surface-level ratings and uncover the true quality of a care facility. What this really means is that you need to dig deeper than the often-unreliable government star system and online reviews.
Start With Government Data, But Don't Stop There
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) maintains detailed records on nursing homes, including ownership information, staffing levels, and any violations or fines. This data is used to assign each facility a star rating from 1 to 5. As Sam Brooks of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care notes, "One or two stars, expect it to be bad."
However, the star ratings can be "notoriously unreliable" due to self-reported data, so they should only be a starting point. Brooks suggests digging deeper by looking at nonprofit ownership (often a sign of better staffing) and closely reviewing inspection reports and online reviews for additional clues.
Look Past the Surface and Trust Your Gut
Ultimately, no amount of data can substitute for an in-person visit and gut feeling. As we've explored before, trusting your instincts is crucial when it comes to choosing a care facility for a loved one. Pay attention to the overall cleanliness and atmosphere, the engagement and attentiveness of staff, and any "ick" factor that makes you uncomfortable.
The stakes are high, so don't be afraid to keep searching until you find a place that truly feels right. Your loved one deserves the best possible care and quality of life, and you owe it to them to be discerning.