Private Equity Investing In Nursing Homes has Increased Affecting Quality of Care Indicates Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven Peck

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 3 min read

Do Nursing Home Ownership Factors Affect Quality of Care?

For many people, there comes a time when caring for themselves, whether through age, accident or medical condition, becomes too burdensome of task. When this occurs, people have several options for their care, including moving into a nursing home or other assisted-living facility.

People that move into a nursing home expect to receive a certain level of care and expect to be free from abuse and neglect.

But, has the quality of care received at some privately owned nursing homes actually declined over the past few years?

A new study seeks to find out. The study will look at data to determine if the increased buying and selling nursing homes by private-equity firms in recent years has affected quality of care.

According to a 2010 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the number of private-equity firm investments in nursing homes increased dramatically over the past 10 years. The report states that in 2009, 1,800 of the 16,000 nursing homes were owned by private-equity investments.

People should consider private equity non-medical ownership as one factor among many, and take the time necessary to find the nursing home or other long-term care facility that meets their needs.

What to Look for When Selecting a Nursing Home

Finding the nursing home that is the right fit can be a daunting task. To help with the search, the Peck Law Group suggests a number of items for people to consider.

For people just beginning their search for the appropriate nursing home, Peck offers the following tips:

Decide in which location you desire to live and locate nursing homes in that area.
Contact nursing homes in that area to ask what services are offered and if rooms or beds are available.
Make appointments to visit the facilities and to meet with the administrators.
On visits ask lots of questions and speak with residents and staff; also, ask about the facilities’ and the administrators’ licenses.

When visiting nursing homes to find the right fit, Peck suggests a number of questions to keep in mind. Following is a sampling of Peck’s suggestions:

Does the nursing home feel welcoming?
How many beds are in each room?
Are there privacy curtains?
Are the bathrooms conveniently located?
How convenient are the visiting hours?
How much time is given to eat?
Does the nursing home take residents likes and dislikes into consideration when creating menus?
Are arrangements made for worship?
What types of activities are planned for residents?
Is the staff kind and courteous to residents?
How quickly does staff respond to calls for assistance?
Does the nursing home make beauticians and barbers available?
Is the nursing home near the hospital?
Are residents’ rights and responsibilities posted?
What is covered under the monthly rate? What services cost extra?

Even if people do the necessary research and seek out a nursing home or other long-term care facility that they feel meets their needs, it is possible that the unthinkable may happen: abuse or neglect.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.