Consumers should be concerned about the Sunday Tribune’s “Watchdog” report on nursing homes that relied heavily on the flawed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Systems (CMS) five-star ratings. It’s an incomplete piece of work that gives the impression that all 1-star homes are the same and that all ratings are legitimate.

The Health Care Council of Illinois – which represents more than 500 nursing homes across the state, has pointed out the problems with the rating system since it was unveiled in December.

The reporter and editors accepted the rating system at face value. However, had the reporter investigated more thoroughly, he would have discovered that the rating system does not:

• Measure innovative programs or services that reach beyond basic care.
• Acknowledge that nursing homes accept patients at all stages, including those who are extremely ill with limited movement.
• Measure the staffing turnover level – another crucial measuring point.
• Include any measures of a facility’s level of customer satisfaction.

The Tribune also offered incomplete and violation-centered tips on how to check a nursing home. Consumers can obtain more valuable advice from the Health Care Council of Illinois at http://www.nursinghome.org/areas.html. The Council recommends visiting several nursing homes, to compare their services and programs.

Also:

• Meet the home’s admissions representative and ask for a tour of the facility. Ask lots of questions. Ask to see the dining rooms, therapy department and activity rooms.
• Ask about the therapy programs, restorative interventions, psycho-social services and other clinical specialties of the facility.
• Take a look at activities on the monthly calendar. How many activities are offered each day?
• Speak to residents. Observe the goings-on around the facility. Take notes.
• Ask the admissions director about specialized programs to address the particular needs of your loved one.

A tour and face-to-face meetings with nursing home managers and staff allow consumers to see the innovative programs and services that go beyond basic care, yet are not counted in the incomplete national rating system.