The decision to move oneself or a loved one into an assisted living is never an easy one. Not only is the thought of leaving a familiar home very stressful, but it can also be very hard to choose among multiple options. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a care facility is the rating it receives according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The following are some guidelines for understanding Assisted Living Ratings in Roslyn.
Overall Rating
An assisted living facility is assigned an overall rating of one to five stars, with five stars indicating the highest quality of care and other services. Prospective residents can expect a five-star facility to be well above average in terms of both quality of care and quality of life. A five-star facility is well managed and fully staffed, and it likely also provides more amenities. However, there may be other quality factors, such as proximity to family members, that are not represented by the rating.
Health Inspections
In addition to the overall rating, CMS also rates facilities according to their three most recent health inspections. A health inspection should cover food safety, fire safety, care procedures, and interactions between staff and residents. Inspectors may also ensure that a facility is in compliance with occupational safety regulations, for example, checking that there are lifts and other assistive devices to help staff care for patients safely.
Staffing
CMS also rates a facility’s staffing according to residents’ needs. An evaluation will consider the number of hours of care each patient requires and receives, and whether there is a sufficient number of staff members with the required skills and certification to provide this care. In addition, all facilities are required to have a full-time director and a licensed nurse who is available either as a full-time employee or as an on-call consultant.
Other Quality Measures
A third category that CMS rates is comprised of several different quality measures. These include health concerns of residents, such as bedsores or injuries, weight changes, mood changes, provision of immunizations, and symptoms of depression or other mood disorders. Click here to learn more about Assisted Living Ratings in Roslyn.
