The Nursing Home Care Compare website assigns each nursing home an overall rating from 1 to 5 stars. A 5-star rating signifies “much above average” quality, while a 1-star rating indicates “much below average” quality. These ratings are based on a combination of factors, providing a comprehensive view of a facility’s performance. Specifically, the overall star rating is derived from three key categories:
- Health Inspections: This rating reflects the findings from health inspections, ensuring facilities meet basic health and safety standards.
- Staffing: Staffing ratings consider the number of staff available to care for residents, a crucial aspect of quality care.
- Quality Measures: These ratings assess various quality measures, such as the prevalence of pressure ulcers, falls, and hospital readmissions, giving insight into the actual care provided.
It’s important to remember that while the Medicare SNF compare tool and its Five-Star rating system are incredibly helpful, they are not exhaustive. Certain factors crucial to individual needs may not be fully captured in a star rating. For example, specialized care for conditions like dementia or specific rehabilitation needs, or the proximity of a facility for family visits, are vital considerations that go beyond a star rating. A nursing home closer to family, even with a slightly lower rating, might be preferable due to the benefits of frequent visits for resident well-being and care quality oversight.
Therefore, utilize the Medicare Nursing Home Care Compare website as one part of your research process. Supplement this online tool with in-person visits to potential nursing homes and consultations with local advocacy groups or the State Ombudsman program. These additional resources and direct observations will provide a more complete picture, ensuring you select the best possible skilled nursing facility that meets your unique needs.
For a deeper dive into the rating system, you can explore the Five-Star Quality Rating System Technical Users’ Guide, available for download on the CMS website. And to begin your comparison of skilled nursing facilities, visit the Nursing Home Care Compare website today and take the first step towards informed decision-making.
