Don't Be Fooled By Fancy "Upgrades": You Still Need To Do Your Research
.jpg)
An article in today's Idaho Statesman, "Nursing Homes Across the Treasure Valley Rehab Their Image," caught my eye. The article, written by Kristin Rodine, begins with the following paragraph: "Flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi access and a state-of-the-art therapy gym are just a few of the ways Life Care Center at Valley View has upgraded its long-term care unit to transcend the traditional nursing home label." The article goes on to discuss facilities making themselves more attractive to the consumer. A slick marketing tool to be sure. Afterall, first impressions are lasting impressions.
Now, flat screen televisions and Wi-Fi access are nice and all; in reality, however, the care received is the thing! We all enjoy amenities, but if the facility is not staffed adequately, or if the staff is not trained properly, all the gadgets in the world won't make your experience at a nursing home or assisted living facility safe.
Immediately after reading Ms. Rodine's article, I jumped on Medicare's "Nursing Home Compare" website and checked out Life Care Center at Valley View's 5-star rating. I was pleasantly surprised; according to Medicare, the facility has a 5-star rating -- the highest rating available. This is not to say Valley View is perfect. During an inspection on December 18, 2009, the facility was cited for failing to "give residents proper treatment to prevent new bed (pressure) sores or heal existing bed sores." I doubt any facility in Idaho, or the nation, however, is perfect.
At the end of the day, simply reading Ms. Rodine's article or, for that matter, visiting a nursing home or assisted living facility is not enough. You need to do further research to make sure the facility will give you good, professional and adequate care. As the old saying goes: You can't judge a book by its cover. After inspecting a nursing home, you need to do more...kick the tires and check under the hood. You would if you were buying a car! Do your research so you or a loved one is in a facility appropriate to their needs and desires.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services' Medicare 