Nursing Home Web Links
Here are some Web links to organizations, reports and groups concerned with the care of elderly people:
Organizations:size>
Friends and Relatives of Institutionalized Aged
This nonprofit advocacy group seeks to create more effective laws and public policies. Its Web site includes a hotline number.
www.fria.org
American Health Care Association
Organization represents nursing homes.
www.ahca.org
Association for the Protection of the Elderly
Chairman Ila Swan, 800-569-7345
www.apeape.org
National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform
Consumer advocacy group's Web site offers fact sheets on federal regulations, publications and tips for residents and their families, as well as links local advocacy groups nationwide.
www.nccnhr.org
A Perfect Cause
Nursing home reform organization
www.aperfectcause.org
Web sites:size>
HCFA's Nursing Home Search
A database search engine at this site allows users to check whether a particular nursing home has been cited for problems. Users can search by ZIP code or state. Note: Just because a home does not appear in the database, that does not mean it passed all inspections.
www.medicare.gov/nursing/home.asp
Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General
As another online database for researching individuals and entities, the search engine allows users to check whether a particular nursing home has been cited for problems. Users can search by ZIP code or state. Note: Just because a home does not appear in the database, that does not mean it passed all inspections.
www.hhs.gov/progorg/oig/cumsan/index.htm
Nursing Home Ratings
This private company rates nursing homes.
www.healthgrades.com
Administration on Aging
This link contains a fact sheet on elder abuse prevention.
www.aoa.dhhs.gov/factsheets/abuse.html
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Information Center
Operated by an investigative and consulting firm, this site includes information on what defines abuse, federal and state laws and recent news reports of abuse.
www.nursinghomeabuse.com/index.html
Michigan Consumer Guide to Nursing Homes
This ste contains a detailed checklist of things to look for, ask and consider when visiting a potential long-term care facility. Other states offer these, too.
www.hcam.org
National Center on Elder Abuse
This site includes information how to report abuse, statistics, fact sheets, information on federal laws and many Web links.
www.gwjapan.com/NCEA/
Reports:size>
U.S. General Accounting Office Reports
For the most information, go to this search page and type "nursing homes" under subject terms.
http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces160.shtml
HFCA Background and Report Overview
The report concludes that quality of care has not improved, and in fact, may be getting worse.
www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/deemovw.htm
Dept. of Health and Human Services
"Safeguarding Long Term Care Residents"
www.hhs.gov
(This link takes you to the summary. Another inside link goes to the PDF file of the entire document.)
Administration on Aging: Older American Caucus Congressional Hearing
http://pr.aoa.gov
Comments from DHHS Deputy Inspector General to Senate Committee
In argument for a system of national background checks at nursing homes, Thomas D. Roslewicz states, "There is no nationwide assurance that nursing home staff who could place elderly residents at risk are systematically identified and excluded from employment."
aging.senate.gov/hr25tr.htm
Health Care Financing Administration
"Nursing Facilities, Staffing, Residents and Facilities Deficiencies, 1992-1998"
hcfa.hhs.gova (A PDF file)
Report from the DHHS, Office of Inspector General
"Quality of Care in Nursing Homes: An Overview"
This is the government agency's argument for continuing and improving the current enforcement system.
www.dhhs.gov/progorg
Other reports:
Nursing Homes: HCFA Should Strengthen Its Oversight of State Agencies to Better Ensure Quality Care
Nursing Homes: Complaint Investigation Processes in Maryland
Nursing Homes: HCFA Initiatives to Improve Care Are Under Way but Will Require Continued Commitment
Nursing Homes: Additional Steps Needed to Strengthen Enforcement of Federal Quality Standards
California Nursing Homes: Care Problems Persist Despite Federal and State Oversight
Nursing Homes: Complaint Investigation Processes Often Inadequate to Protect Residents
Nursing Homes: Proposal to Enhance Oversight of Poorly Performing Homes Has Merit