If you are tasked with finding a Kentucky nursing home for your parent or relative, you need all the help you can get. It’s a huge research task!
One tool that will save you some time and extra running around is Nursing Home Compare. This online, interactive tool enables Medicare recipients and their caregivers to retrieve and compare information about nursing homes they may be considering. Visitors to the site have access to details about 17,000 Medicaid- and Medicare-certified nursing homes in the United States. Nursing Home Compare provides information on the following categories:
Nursing Home Characteristics
- number of beds;
- type of ownership (for-profit or nonprofit);
- whether the nursing home is part of a continuing care retirement community (CCRC): and
- participation in Medicare, Medicaid, or both.
Resident Characteristics
The percentage of short-stay residents
- who report moderate to severe pain;
- with new or worsening pressure sores;
- who are assessed for and appropriately given the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine;
- who are assessed for and appropriately given the seasonal flu vaccine; and
- who received antipsychotic medication at the facility.
The percentage of long-stay residents
- who report moderate to severe pain;
- with urinary incontinence;
- who have had at least one fall that resulted in a major injury;
- who lose too much weight;
- who were physically restrained;
- who are assessed for and appropriately given the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine;
- who are assessed for and appropriately given the seasonal flu virus; and
- who received antipsychotic medication at the facility.
Information on
- nursing homes’ last state inspection
- the number of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, vocational nurses, and nursing assistants at the facility
The same Medicare website at which you can access Nursing Home Compare and other helpful information regarding nursing homes has a downloadable, printable Nursing Home Checklist on which you can write down the results of your research. You should fill out a separate checklist for each nursing home and take it with you when you visit the facility.
To use the Nursing Home Compare website, you just need to type in your zip code. Up comes a list of nursing homes in your area, the distance to them, and ratings of various categories, including health inspections and quality. The Nursing Home Compare website is very easy to use, and it displays all the general information you need to pick the right nursing home for your elderly friend or relative.
Has Your Loved One Been Injured In A Nursing Home?
If you believe your loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse you need to speak with an experienced Kentucky nursing home neglect attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.