The federal government’s Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a rating service for nursing homes around the country, including the Philadelphia area. Known as Nursing Home Compare, the program gives consumers the ability to compare information about nursing homes. However, the program only rates nursing homes which are certified to participate in Medicare or Medicaid. For information about nursing homes not rated on the CMS website, click here to obtain information about your state’s nursing homes and scroll down to “State Websites with Nursing Home Information” for a state by state summary.
*The rating system should not be the sole factor in choosing a nursing home for yourself or a loved one. Learn about other factors to consider when choosing a nursing home.
There are 175 CMS nursing homes within the Philadelphia area, including those in Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County and Berks County, and certain areas in New Jersey, such as Camden. While many homes rank high in terms, many do not and have questionable rankings when it comes to health inspections and quality. Again, this ranking system is only a starting point to identify a suitable home for your loved one. Click here for the CMS website’s nursing home search feature.
Ranking Factors for CMS Nursing Homes
- Overall Rating Aggregate Rating is based on health inspections, staffing and quality measures.
- Health Inspections Rating is based on the nursing home’s health inspection results.
- Staffing Rating is based on the nursing home’s staffing hours for registered nursing, licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses and certified nursing assistants.
- Quality Measures Rating is based on resident assessment data which shows how well the nursing home cares for the needs of its residents (i.e., physical care, medical care, hygiene, etc.)
Abuse & Neglect
Nursing home abuse and neglect are very real issues in the long term care industry. When abuse or neglect occurs, the reports are often swept under the rug and ignored. The reality is that many residents in long term care facilities, not just nursing homes, suffer physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Sometimes, the perpetrator is an employee or may be a fellow resident. In some instances, a complete stranger may access the facility and assault a resident.
Related: Proving Negligence in a Pennsylvania Nursing Home Accident, Neglect Case
Neglect is also common. Residents who are immobile may be left alone for long periods of time; their doctors’ orders to have them repositioned regularly may be ignored. Residents who need help with physical hygiene may also be left for long periods of time. In these kinds of instances of neglect, a resident may develop bed sores. Over time, bed sores can become life threatening; some die from sepsis. Some residents may be over-medicated in an attempt to keep them docile or quiet. These kinds of actions sound incredible but they are common occurrences in nursing homes and long term care facilities throughout the country, including the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area.
Nursing Home Injury Lawyer
Our law firm focuses on nursing home abuse and neglect cases. If your loved one was abused or neglected in a nursing home or other long term care facility in the Pennsylvania or New Jersey area, please contact us for a free case assessment. (215) 985-0777
Disclaimer: This website does not create any attorney-client relationship or provide legal advice. Our lawyers provide legal advice only after accepting a case. It is imperative that any action taken is done on advice of counsel. Read full disclaimer below.