When choosing a nursing home facility, many people look at the ratings to determine which one will provide the highest quality of care for elderly loved ones. However, a recent study that was published by the National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation showed that some nursing home facilities are inflating their self-reported quality measures to boost their Five-Star ratings. This deception is designed to bring in money, but it jeopardizes the wellbeing of elderly patients needing safe and effective medical treatment.Here’s What You Need to Know
From 2009-2013, the University of Connecticut conducted a study to determine if nursing homes used false self-reporting techniques to improve their ratings. They found that at least 6% of all nursing home facilities in the United States used exaggerated self-reporting to inflate their ratings. The researchers examined several factors, including information from Medicare files, resident complaints, Five-Star ratings, and information about facility finances to identify instances of deception.
How to Keep Your Elderly Loved One Safe
If you are looking for a nursing home facility, the American Health Care Association recommends using multiple sources to weed out any facilities that are using inflated ratings. While only a small percentage of nursing homes use deceptive self-reporting, it is still important to take steps to protect your loved one from nursing home abuse. You should also make unannounced visits to the facility and talk with the staff, other patients, and their families to determine the quality of care the facility provides, regardless of its rating.
Call Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Greenville Today at (864) 408-8883
If your loved one has been a victim of abuse or neglect at a nursing home, our firm can provide diligent representation. We are passionate about holding nursing home staff responsible for negligent or criminal actions. From start to finish, our team will fight on your behalf as you seek justice.
Contact us today to receive a free initial consultation.
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