COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Aging has released the results of the 2012 Nursing Home Family Satisfaction Survey.
The survey, which was revised this year to increase participation and deliver better data, measures how satisfied family members of Ohioans who live in nursing homes are with the care and services their loved ones receive, and it is a valuable tool for individuals to help select a nursing home that best meets their needs.
Scoring
The statewide average satisfaction score for facilities was 85.6 (out of a possible 100); 25 facilities scored 93.76 or better. The satisfaction ratings are available on the Ohio Long-term Care Consumer Guide at www.ltcohio.org.
The Consumer Guide includes other information about nursing homes and residential care facilities, including inspection results, a list of available services, staffing levels, results of resident surveys and more.
The family satisfaction survey was conducted between May and December 2012 by the Scripps Gerontology Center of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, on behalf of the Ohio Department of Aging and under the direction of the Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman.
Results
More than 27,000 family members and 948 homes participated. Of the 721 participating homes with statistically significant results, 387 scored above the state average and 229 scored 88 or better, which earns them an additional “quality point” in a reimbursement formula used by the Office of Medical Assistance (Medicaid) to reward quality in nursing homes.
Survey costs are supported by a fee charged to nursing homes by the state.
This year, the department revised the survey to better capture the needs and ideas of families. For this reason, officials cautioned against directly comparing the survey results with those from previous years.
Questions
The survey asked family members their opinions on activities, administration, admission, choices, direct care and nursing, laundry, meals and dining, social services, therapy and general satisfaction. Researchers identified two key questions that sum up the respondent’s perception of the home: “Overall, do you like this facility?” and “Would you recommend this facility to a family member or friend?”
Seven facilities scored 100 on both questions: Edgewood Manor of Greenfield I, Greenfield, Highland County; Glenmont, Hilliard, Franklin County; Morrow Manor Nursing Center, Chesterville, Morrow County; Mount Notre Dame Health Center, Cincinnati, Hamilton County; Saint Angela Center, Pepper Pike, Cuyahoga County; Ursuline Center, Toledo, Lucas County; and West View Manor Inc., Wooster, Wayne County.
