Two out of five stars. That's the overall rating Kearney County Health Services'
nursing home got from the federal government.
However, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services tells NTV News the facility submitted a plan of correction earlier this year and the agency approved it. Next, the state will make unannounced visits to the facility to make sure that officials there are doing what they promised.
It's a situation that came to a surprise to some.
"I've been in the facility. It's a very nice facility," said Rod Horsley, the executive director of the South Central Area Agency on Aging.
Horsley said families need to do their own research before choosing any facility. First, you need to figure out the level of care your loved one needs.
"Bathing, dressing, toileting and transferring and then there are there special needs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy? Do they need to be on oxygen 24 hours? do they need help administering medications?"
Second, figure out your finances. With nursing homes costing about $100 per day, Horsley said to make sure the one your interested in works with Medicare and Medicaid.
"They (your loved ones) will statistically go through all their resources within three to five years. So, it's extremely expensive," added Horsley.
Third, do some investigating. The website www.medicare.gov is a good place to start. There
you can compare nursing homes. Each is given one to five stars based on inspections, staffing and quality measures.
"The other thing, besides www.medicare.gov is visiting with family and friends. Do you know
someone who had someone in a nursing care facility? can they make recommendations?," asked Horsley.
The fourth and perhaps the most important step is to go for a visit.
"Is it odor free? Is the dining room clean? Is there a home-like atmosphere? Is it warm? Are
staff friendly? Are there activities?," Horsley questioned.
You can also pick up a checklist from the Agency on Aging. With more than 30 Nebraska nursing homes on a national watch list, it's another tool you can use to decide which facility makes the
grade.
The public information officer at HHS said it's very rare for the state to shut down a nursing
home facility and that only happens when there is a consistent and immediate danger to patients.
Reporter's Notes by Jessica Phinney:
You can contact the State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program with any questions or concerns about a nursing home facility.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services -- State Unit on Aging PO Box 95044 Lincoln, NE 68509-5044
LTCOombudsman@hhss.ne.gov
(800)942-7830
