For many people there comes a time when caring for themselves, whether through age, accident or medical condition, becomes too burdensome of task. When this occurs, people have several options for their care, including moving into a nursing home or other assisted-living facility.
People that move into a nursing home expect to receive a certain level of care and expect to be free from abuse and neglect. But, has the quality of care received at some privately owned nursing homes actually declined over the past few years? A new study seeks to find out. The study will look at data to determine if the increased buying and selling nursing homes by private-equity firms in recent years has affected quality of care.
According to a 2010 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the number private-equity firm investments in nursing homes increased dramatically over the past 10 years. The report states that in 2009, 1,800 of the 16,000 nursing homes were owned by private-equity investments.
The study, which is to be conducted by Rohit Pradhan, Ph.D., of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, will compare nursing homes owned by private-equity firms to publically owned nursing homes operated in California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas. The study will compare the two groups of nursing homes by measuring quality of care and financial performance, according to an article by University of Alabama at Birmingham News (UAB News).
Talking about the study, UAB News quotes Pradhan as saying, "These private-equity firms are mainly investors with little to no background in nursing home care." Pradhan further stated, "It's a short investment turnaround for them. They target nursing homes that are financially poor, and then sell them for a profit. I want to know if this has sacrificed quality for short-term profits."
People should consider the results of the University of Alabama at Birmingham study, but people should consider it one factor among many, and take the time necessary to find the nursing home or other long-term care facility that meets their needs.
What to Look for When Selecting a Nursing Home
Finding the nursing home that is the right fit can be a daunting task. To help with the search, the Alabama Nursing Home Association (ANHA) offers a number of items for people to consider.
For people just beginning their search for the appropriate nursing home, ANHA offers the following tips:
- Decide in which location you desire to live and locate nursing homes in that area
- Contact nursing homes in that area to ask what services are offered and if rooms or beds are available
- Make appointments to visit the facilities and to meet with the administrators
- On visits ask lots of questions and speak with residents and staff; also, ask about the facilities' and the administrators' licenses
When visiting nursing homes to find the right fit, ANHA suggests a number of questions to keep in mind. Following is a sampling of ANHA's suggestions:
- Does the nursing home feel welcoming?
- How many beds are in each room?
- Are there privacy curtains?
- Are the bathrooms conveniently located?
- How convenient are the visiting hours?
- How much time is given to eat?
- Does the nursing home take residents likes and dislikes into consideration when creating menus?
- Are arrangements made for worship?
- What types of activities are planned for residents?
- Is the staff kind and courteous to residents?
- How quickly does staff respond to calls for assistance?
- Does the nursing home make beauticians and barbers available?
- Is the nursing home near the hospital?
- Are residents' rights and responsibilities posted?
- What is covered under the monthly rate? What services cost extra?
Even if people do the necessary research and seek out the nursing home or other long-term care facility that they feel meets their needs, it is possible that the unthinkable may happen: abuse or neglect.
Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
There are many excellent nursing homes that provide tremendous care to residents. However, there are also many nursing homes where the abuse and neglect of residents occurs. With many private-equity firms treating nursing homes only as money-making ventures, it is possible that the overall quality of care provided may be falling, exactly what Rohit Pradhan of the University of Alabama at Birmingham is researching.
Abuse and neglect can happen for any number of reasons, including under-staffing, failure to train staff, or neglecting to conduct background checks while hiring staff. If it is suspected that a loved one is being abused or neglected, watch for these common signs of abuse and neglect:
- Bed sores (pressure ulcers) or open wounds
- Unusual bruising
- Unexplained broken bones or injuries
- Weight loss
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Changes in behavior
If you suspect that a loved one is suffering abuse or neglect at his or her nursing home, speak with an experienced attorney. An attorney can explain your legal rights and options.
