In recent days, the media has been discussing the new Medicare Nursing Home rating system, implemented several weeks ago.  This system rates the skilled nursing facilities throughout the nation.  However, it does not cover short-term rehabilitation care or assisted living facilities.  The ratings are based on state inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures gathered in the last three years.  This is a valuable tool to help choose a nursing home.  However,  additional criteria needs to be considered.

When it is necessary to place a loved one in a Skilled Nursing Facility, first establish a list of potential facilities, based on physical location and, if necessary, whether the home accepts Medicare and Medicaid.  Most Nursing Homes accept Medicare, but not all accept Medicaid.  Medicare will cover a maximum of 100 days per illness, however serveral criteria must be met before an individual is qualified.

  It is imperative that you personally visit the facility.  When visiting, don’t only talk to the admissions director giving you the tour, but also talk to other staff members, as well as, patients and their families.  Notice how the caregivers are performing their duties.  Are they interacting with the patient or are they just doing their job?  How do patients and families feel about the care given in the facility.

Another important consideration is the acuity level the skilled nursing facility is able to treat.  Some skilled nursing facilities are able to handle the patients that need the most intensive care. This may cause the facility to have a lower standard according to Medicare’s Nursing Home ratings when compared to facilities with a more normal population.  These patients, because of their diagnosis, may also be more prone to complications.

SENIOR CHOICES, LLC, has conducted quality of care research, which will provide you with valuable information to help you determine the facility that best serves your care and financial needs.We will provide objective and unbiased advice.  Ofter, SENIOR CHOICES will suggest options then family may never have considered.  SENIOR CHOICES will assist you make informed decisions, with less stress and with peace of mind.

If you or someone you know is in this difficult position, there is a solution! Call Judy Doyle-Martin at 586-914-4630. SENIOR CHOICES, LLC, located in Macomb County, Michigan will help you make informed decisions for peace of mind.  We service Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Tags: Medicare, nursing home, ratings, rehabilitation care

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 29th, 2009 at 10:38 am and is filed under Medicare, Nursing Homes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.