Massachusetts Nursing Home Ratings - An Elder Law Perspective
At one time the general rule for evaluating nursing homes was whether or not there was an overpowering stench of urine when you walked in the door. I have been to many a nursing home in Massachusetts that failed this simple test. Beyond this simple measure there are a number of measures that potential nursing home residents and their families can use to judge the suitability of a long term care facility.
To me, the best nursing home is the nursing home that is convenient for the patient's family to visit often. The patients with the most regular visitors get the best service. Sort of a spin on the squeaky wheel gets the grease. The grease in a nursing home could be clean sheets, regular bathing, hot food and little extras (like smiles and a second pudding) that make the reality of long term care more bearable. Consistent with this thought, the patients who have regular visitors feel more attached to the living world outside of the nursing home - because let's face it, the vast majority of people go to nursing homes to die. I do not believe in sugar coating the hard truth that nursing homes are the last place our elders see before death.
What else is important in selecting a nursing home? Beyond the obvious ratio of staff to patient, aesthetic elements and food quality - you need to look deeper. Ask about the turnover ratio, or how long has the staff been in their current positions. Does the facility just meet the professional staff requirements or exceed the minimums required by law? Is there a support group for families? Do patients have a "bill of rights"? Talk to some patients and their families. Ask what is good, bad and ugly about the facility and its administration.
Despite the trauma associated with being discharged from the hospital, it is imperative that families take steps to conduct their own evaluation of nursing facilities. It is possible to transfer, although not always practical, from one nursing home in Massachusetts to another. Ask questions. Act like a customer, not only as a resigned assignee to whatever long term health care facility selected by the discharge planner. Massachusetts has numerous nursing homes each with their strengths and weaknesses. Be as selective as time allows, be critical, be firm.
