Nursing Home Compare

Nursing home abuse and neglect is one of the most severe problems for today’s elderly.  Approximately 1.4 million Americans reside in long-term care facilities, and in the coming decade, that number is expected to double.  In these facilities, however, it is estimated that over 1 in 20 residents falls victim to abuse or neglect. 

Fortunately, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are forming initiatives to raise awareness of neglect and reduce the incidence of abuse.  Their projects include Nursing Home Compare, a site that provides “detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country.”  It is the most comprehensive nursing home review site available and is updated monthly based on inspections and data compiled by the homes.  Over the years, the site has expanded to include a wide range of details: everything from the availability of certain vaccinations to the quality of the sprinkler systems.  Senators Herb Kohl and Charles Grassley are currently lobbying to include even more information on the site. 

While Nursing Home Compare is an exceptional tool, it is not intended to a replace a physical visit to the home.  Personal observations are the best way to gauge the quality of a nursing home. 

Due to the increased focus on the quality of care in homes, many are hopeful that facilities will continue to improve with the residents’ well-being in mind.