We don’t always know what to expect when admitting a loved one into a nursing home. Many facilities look similar on the surface. The staff that greets us may seem trustworthy. We don’t always hear about what goes on behind the scenes until it’s too late — a resident has been severely harmed due to abuse or neglect.
That’s why it’s critical to do your own research before choosing a facility for your loved one. You can do this by checking the nursing home ratings and reviews.
Medicare.gov recently ranked 11 nursing homes throughout Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama from best to worst based on several criteria. These include:
- Results from health inspections
- Quality and quantity of staffing
- Quality measures
Each facility received a star rating from one to five for each — one being “much below average” and five being “much above average.”
Why One Facility Ranked The Best In The Area
Spring Harbor at Green Island in Columbus had the best overall rating with a total of five stars. This facility also ranked five stars in quality measures and four stars in both health inspections and staffing.
Here is why this facility ranked so well:
- The staff spends an average of 56 minutes per resident daily to attend to their needs. The statewide average for all Georgia nursing homes is 25 minutes.
- Physical therapy staff spends an average of 17 minutes per resident daily. The statewide average is only four minutes and the national average is five minutes.
- Only 8.2 percent of short-stay residents were re-hospitalized, as opposed to Georgia’s average of 20.8 percent and the national average of 22.2 percent.
- 76.9 percent of short-stay residents were able to improve mobility on their own. Georgia’s average is 63.8 percent and the national average is 67.4 percent.
- Zero percent of short-stay residents had outpatient emergency room visits. Georgia’s average is 10.8 percent and the national average is 10.6 percent.
Worst-Ranked Facility Has A History Of Health Violations
River Towne Center in Columbus ranked the worst on the list. It had an overall rating of one star, one-star ratings in health inspections and staffing, and a two-star rating in quality measures. The most recent health inspection conducted on this facility was in December 2018. They received eight health citations, which is twice the statewide average. Among those, the facility was cited for:
- Failing to conceal catheter drainage bags from the view of hallway passersby
- Failing to protect a resident’s privacy while taking care of personal hygiene
More oversight and transparency over Alabama and Georgia nursing homes can protect residents and their families in the long run. Facilities that put the needs of residents last should be held accountable. If your loved one was seriously harmed or died due to abuse or neglect while staying in a nursing home, the attorneys at Braswell Murphy can help.
Our firm has dedicated itself to helping families of nursing home residents seek answers and justice. Contact us online to find out which legal options are available to you.
