An Independent Resource for Data on Senior Healthcare

  • Understanding Nursing Home Ratings and What They Mean

    Understanding Nursing Home Ratings and What They Mean

    When choosing a nursing home for a loved one, understanding the ratings and scores provided by regulatory bodies is crucial. These ratings offer valuable insights into the quality of care, safety, and overall performance of nursing homes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the primary source of these ratings, and it plays…

  • Questions to Ask During a Nursing Home Visit

    Questions to Ask During a Nursing Home Visit

    Choosing the right nursing home for your loved one is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration and thorough evaluation. One of the most important steps in this process is visiting potential nursing homes in person. During these visits, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure that the facility can meet your loved…

  • Tips for Transitioning a Loved One to Nursing Home Care

    Tips for Transitioning a Loved One to Nursing Home Care

    Transitioning a loved one to nursing home care is a significant and often emotional decision for families. It involves not only logistical planning but also addressing emotional and psychological needs. This guide provides comprehensive tips to help you manage this transition smoothly and ensure your loved one feels comfortable and supported. Introduction The decision to…

  • Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home

    Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home

    Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and thorough research. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in selecting a nursing home, key factors to consider, and resources to help you make an informed choice. Introduction As our population…

  • Nursing Home Closures – Act to Protect Your Loved One

    Nursing Home Closures – Act to Protect Your Loved One

    The sudden closure of a nursing home can be a traumatic experience for residents and their families. It often leaves vulnerable individuals scrambling for new accommodations, while the disruption can lead to emotional and physical distress. This guide aims to provide you with the information and steps you can take to protect your loved one…

  • New Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Requirements

    New Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Requirements

    On September 1, 2023 the US Department for Health and Human Services announced new minimum staffing standards for US nursing homes (see press release from CMS). The proposals comes more than a year after President Biden mentioned them in the 2022 State of the Union address and despite significant concerns from industry. According to the…

  • Finding Information about Nursing Home Owners and Managers

    Finding Information about Nursing Home Owners and Managers

    As we were putting together the various pages related to the data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (“CMS”), we did not know what information would be interesting for people. We’ve tried to monitor what people click on and note what concerns people raise when they contact us. One surprise is that we get…

  • What To Do When Someone Is In a Nursing Home

    At some point in your life, it’s likely that you will have a friend or family member who will reside in a nursing home.  This can be a very traumatic experience both for the person in the nursing home and for friends and family.  Here are some items to consider if this happens to you.…

  • What Home Health Care is Covered by Medicare

    If you have read any of my blog entries, you will see that I like home health care. I think taking care of patients in their home is generally a better and less expensive way to deliver needed care. Patients are more relaxed at home and having care come to them is much easier. I…

  • What Home Health Care Does

    What Home Health Care Does General Services Home health care agencies provide services that help individuals maintain their health and well-being in their own homes. These services can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual and are often used to supplement the care provided by family members. Home health care agencies provide…