U.S. News and World Report has again issued its annual list of “Best Nursing Homes” across the country. Nearly 3,000 centers nationwide received the “best” designation.

To help you respond to questions you may get about the report from families or residents, check out these talking points on finding quality care and more.

About the Report

This year U.S. News and World Report has updated its rating system to include a long term care measure. On its Nursing Home Finder page, you will see the publication has also partnered with Caring.com to provide consumers the ability to talk with an advisor for assistance.

Talking Points

Finding Quality Care:

• There are thousands of skilled nursing care centers across the nation not mentioned in the report that also provide excellent quality skilled nursing care.
• These rankings should not be the only source for those searching for nursing center care. Choosing the right center is a process that should be conducted both on- and off-line.
• We must first make sure we’re talking to our loved ones about their preferences, and ensuring plans are put in place before the need for long term or post-acute care arises. Learn how to start that conversation at careconversations.org.
• Visiting a facility is a great way to compare centers, find out about specific services provided at an individual center, get to know staff and resident culture, and learn about payment options.
  

Quality Initiative

• The long term and post-acute care profession continues to advance quality care through our national effort, the Quality Initiative, which sets specific goals and measures in key areas shown to improve patient and resident quality outcomes.
• Based on CMS data, over half of AHCA members nationwide have safely reduced the off-label use of antipsychotics by at least 10 percent
  • Since CMS began tracking data in 2011, Virginia has seen a 38 percent overall reduction in the off-label use of antipsychotic medications.
• Since 2011, AHCA members have successfully prevented over 203,000 individuals from returning to the hospital within 30 days by reducing their average rate from 19.1 percent in Q4 2011 to 16.9 percent in Q3 2018.
  • VHCA-VCAL is leading an initiative to reduce preventable hospital readmission by 10 percent by June 30, 2020.
    

It is also key to highlight your individual facility features like:

• Mission, values
• Teamwork/dedicated staff – person-centered care
• Quality process and solid care planning
• Achievements, if applicable, through AHCA Quality Initiative, Quality Award Program, etc.