The Five Star Rating System

In December, 2008 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released their new so called "Quality Ratings" of nursing homes.These ratings were based on information gathered from health inspection surveys, staffing information, and quality of care measures. This information was put into questionable formulas and given values.The end result was a star rating of nursing facilities that was posted on the "Nursing Home Compare Website", with five stars being the highest rating.

Many facilities throughout the country, Orchard View Manor included, were not pleased with the approach or method that was used by the CMS star value system.It has been voiced by many professional organizations in the nursing home industry that the data collected is too subjective and does not measure quality. How could this information be used to accurately measure quality when CMS itself admits that the health inspection surveys are inconsistent from state to state?

It has also been documented that facilities that have sub-acute units look worse in this system because they are caring for people that are sicker, as is the case with Orchard View Manor.Admitting residents that are sicker will have an effect on the quality of care measures, thus leading to lower scores.

As far as staffing, the data gathered is based on a snapshot of a two week period which is not necessarily indicative of staffing throughout the year.It is for these reasons, and more, that the nursing home industry has asked that CMS reevaluate the five star system and make significant changes.

In a recent study, consumers rated customer satisfaction as the key indicator to consider when contemplating nursing home placement.We agree whole heartedly with this approach and are glad to be evaluated on this metric.

Over the last two years, Myinnerview, a national research company, conducted satisfaction surveys of residents and family members at Orchard View Manor.The results for these two survey years showed an average rating of 94% that would highly recommend Orchard View Manor to other residents and families.Overall satisfaction with Orchard View Manor for the two year period averaged 96%, which we consider to be a significant compliment.

Orchard View Manor does not feel that the ratings from CMS are fair or representative of Orchard View Manor's commitment to quality care for our residents.We invite you to come and visit us, talk to our residents, and see how they rank us.

Here are some of the comments we received from our satisfaction surveys from residents and family members "in their own words"

• "Give family members peace of mind on safety of residents"
• "Staff really cares about the clients and families; they do their best to keep clients busy and happy with lots of activities as well as attention."
• "Nursing staff are very knowledgeable; office staff are helpful and concerned about the residents and families.Very good therapy staff."
• "I feel that my mother is treated well and with a high degree of dignity."
• "We are treated with respect and people are friendly."
• "They help us feel comfortable here."
• "The staff is excellent.They really care.The facility looks and smells clean.The grounds are always neat and well kept."
• "Breakfast is great."
• "Care and concern shown by nursing staff."
• "Overall care for my dad is excellent.I am always informed of my dad's condition, either by phone or when at Orchard View Manor.I am very pleased with Orchard View and have recommended it to a number of friends."
• "Treating my Mom like a person, not just an old woman.My Mom doesn't ask for much but if and when she does she is accommodated quickly."
• "Excellent social activities, overall great care, friendly staff, great at keeping family informed."