Too Many Idaho Nursing Homes "Below Average" According to Medicare
Last week, I made the argument that Idaho nursing homes should voluntarily post their Medicare "Five Star" ratings. California has enacted a law requiring facilities to post these ratings, it was my hope that Idaho facilities would voluntarily do so. Since making my argument, I have done some research on Medicare's ratings for Idaho facilities. All I can say is "shame" to many of the facilities in Idaho. It is no wonder facilities in our fair state do not voluntarily inform the public about their Medicare "Five Star" ratings; in many cases, those ratings are nothing short of dismal.
According to Medicare's website:
- 79 nursing home facilities in Idaho;
- 77 nursing home facilities with ratings;
- 14 nursing home facilities have Medicare's highest rating - 5 stars;
- 13 nursing home facilities (17 % of those with ratings) have Medicare's lowest "much below average" rating - 1 star;
- 13 nursing home facilities (17% of those with ratings) have a "below average" rating - 2 stars.
To the facilities with 5 star ratings I say: Keep up the good work. To those facilities with ratings of 2 stars or below, a shocking 34% of facilities in Idaho, I say: Shame on you. Why would a knowledgeable person voluntarily put themselves or a loved one in your care?
Please, before you make a decision on which nursing home is right for you, do your homework. Check the Medicare "Nursing Home Compare" website. Use the other resources available to you. Remember, knowledge is power - the power to choose a safe environment and the power to hold nursing homes accountable for their poor performance before you or a loved one becomes a victim.
