The typical nursing home was cited for seven health
and safety deficiencies last year, with for-profit homes more
likely to have problems than facilities run by local governments
or non-profits, federal investigators said Monday.
More than 90 percent of nursing homes surveyed were cited for at
least one deficiency in 2007 — a rate that has changed little over
the past three years. About 94 percent of the for-profit homes
surveyed generated a citation, compared to 91 percent for
government nursing homes and 88 percent for non-profits, said the
inspector general for the Department of Health and Human Services.
A nursing home, skilled nursing
facility (SNF), or skilled nursing unit (SNU), is a
place of residence for people who require constant nursing care
and have significant deficiencies with activities of daily
living. Assisted Living and Retirement facilities
are not considered to be nursing homes or skilled nursing units.
Long-term care for aging parents is one of the
most difficult, expensive and frustrating issues
facing American families today. Newly revised
and updated, this handbook was prepared by the
leading organization advocating better
conditions and care for nursing home residents.
It helps readers select and work with nursing
homes, offering proven procedures developed by
effective advocates nationwide. Includes many
strategies for protecting patient rights to aid
families in insuring quality care for loved
ones.
While life in a nursing home is rarely considered a
first choice, at times it's the best choice. Still,
the decision to put a loved one in a home is
incredibly difficult. This book concentrates on the
positive aspects of nursing homes and offers
strategies for identifying the best facilities. Among
the topics covered are how to recognize signs that a
family member needs extra support, determining whether
in-home care is a viable option, the different types
of long-term care, working and communicating with the
staff, and preparing for the end of life.
This
book is a comprehensive, easy to understand,
authoritative, and enormously helpful guide to all
issues related to seeking nursing home care and living
in a nursing home. It is designed primarily for
residents and their families and it addresses all the
most common issues consumers face when they enter the
complex and confusing world of nursing homes. Its
question and answer format and "Word to the Wise" tips
make it a reassuring and accessible resource. It also
includes useful information about agencies to contact
for help and important information about paying for
care.
