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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2002
Illinois Scores Among Top States
for Nursing Home Quality
(CHICAGO) -- According to a recent analysis conducted
by the federal government’s Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services (CMS), Illinois scores among the top
states for its nursing home Quality Measures. This
national "report card" evaluates performance
in clinical areas such as percentages of residents with
infections, bed sores, and restraints. These statistics,
obtained to help consumers make sound and informed
decisions regarding nursing home care, illuminate the
success of Illinois nursing homes in providing
high-level care to the state’s frail and elderly
citizens.
The federal government unveiled the data in early
November by launching a web site and toll-free
information line. Consumers can obtain additional
information about the quality of care at nursing homes
nationwide on its web site www.medicare.gov or by
calling 1-800-MEDICARE. The government’s "Nursing
Home Compare" web site contains Quality Measures
for ten clinical areas, based on assessment data
collected at the nation’s 17,000 nursing homes. The
ten clinical areas include percentages for both long
stay and short stay residents.
The CMS' comparison among states for nursing home
quality shows that Illinois' nursing homes receive high
marks in nine out of ten Quality Measures. Highlights
from the study show that:
· Illinois has the lowest rate of nursing
home infections in the country. The national average for
infections is 17 percent, while Illinois scores at 11
percent, tied for first with Georgia and Minnesota;
· Along with two other states, Illinois is
third lowest in the nation for the percentage of
long-stay residents with a loss of ability in basic
daily tasks. The national percentage is 15 percent, with
Illinois 20 percent lower at 12 percent;
· Illinois is sixth in the nation for fewest
residents in restraints. The national average is 10
percent, with Illinois half that at 5 percent; and
· Illinois ranks seventh in fewest long-stay
residents with pain and ninth in fewest short-stay
residents with pain.
"We are very proud that Illinois nursing homes
scored so well with the Quality Measures," said
Terrence Sullivan, executive director for the Illinois
Council on Long Term Care. "These statistics
highlight the commitment of our state’s nursing home
professionals in promoting resident health, independence
and well being."
The next step in the federal government’s Quality
Initiative is to work with nursing homes one-on-one to
improve resident care. The government has contracted
with the Illinois Foundation for Quality Health Care to
provide direct assistance and support to dozens of
nursing homes across Illinois. Best practices for
resident care, such as useful assessment forms and
successful hands-on caregiving techniques, will be
shared with all of the state’s nursing facilities so
that care in Illinois will be optimized.
While the Quality Measures serve as an important
first step in evaluating nursing homes, experts advise
that consumers should not choose a facility based on
this information alone.
"People should visit local nursing facilities
and speak with the residents and staff firsthand in
making a decision about placement," said Terrence
Sullivan. "As the Quality Measures reveal, Illinois
is fortunate to have some of the nation’s best nursing
homes, ones that employ caring and well-trained
professionals. I recommend that consumers do their
homework and carefully evaluate their options in
choosing a quality nursing facility."
# # #
The Illinois Council on Long Term Care is an
association of nursing home professionals committed to
quality nursing home care in Illinois. The Illinois
Council represents 210 nursing facilities that employ
26,000 staff members who care for 37,000 residents.
For helpful information about choosing a nursing
home, please visit the Illinois Council’s web site at
www.nursinghome.org. This web site has a detailed
directory of Illinois nursing homes, along with useful
information on financial, legal and health issues. The
web site is valuable resource for making well-informed
choices regarding nursing home care.
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