If you think all nursing homes are pretty much the same, ask the experts at the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The center uses a five-star rating system to rank facilities certified by both insurance programs.

The ratings factored in three years of health and fire-safety inspection results, substantiated complaints and quality-of-care measures, as well as current staffing levels. They used information that was current as of Jan. 20, 2011 but it may not reflect more recent inspection or survey results of nursing homes in the State of Minnesota area says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven C. Peck.

They ranked each facility by the number of health deficiencies in the most recent inspection cited by CMS.

They also have listed complaints that were substantiated by the Minnesota Office of Health Facility Complaints.

1 Golden LivingCenter – Chateau, Minneapolis, 28 health deficiencies

One substantiated complaint: Six bathrooms were cited with problems, including sticky floors, a soiled wall and black residue on the floor. Investigators noticed urine odor in two bathrooms, which was linked to malfunctioning ventilation systems.

2 Texas Terrace Care Center, St. Louis Park, 20 health deficiencies

Five substantiated complaints: Staff gave up trying to open a door blocked by a nonresponsive resident who had hanged himself. A resident’s arm was broken when a worker twisted it. A male worker kissed and molested a female resident. A resident died after staff did not properly react to his low oxygen-saturation rate. Sign-language services were not always provided.

3 Berkshire Residence, Osseo, 16 health deficiencies

Two substantiated complaints: A resident was burned after he lit a cigarette while on supplemental oxygen. A resident was given a double dose of a medication for 13 days.

4 Robbinsdale Rehabilitation and Care Center, Robbinsdale, 12 health deficiencies

Six substantiated complaints: A worker threw a glass of water in a resident’s face and swore at her. A resident sustained burns from smoking while on supplemental oxygen. The health care of a resident with behavior issues was neglected. Medications were not given at appropriate times, care plans were not followed and workers were slow to respond to call lights. Social work services were inadequate and care conferences were not timely. Drug disposal was done improperly.

5 Westwood Health Care Center, St. Louis Park, 8 health deficiencies

Three substantiated complaints: A resident received third-degree burns from a hot compress. A male worker kissed and molested a female resident. A resident was found lying under her wheelchair on a concrete landing in a stairwell.

Westwood is one of four Minnesota nursing homes designated as a “special focus facility” by the CMS for having a “history of persistent poor quality of care.” The facility has been on the list for 15 months and is subject to more frequent inspections.

The three other homes on the list: Crest View Lutheran Home, Columbia Heights, Willmar Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation, Willmar, and Valley View Manor, Lamberton.

6 Serenity Care Center – Bethesda, South St. Paul, 8 deficiencies

Two substantiated complaints: Staffing and equipment were insufficient and nursing care was inadequate. Staff were not alerted when a resident fell and broke several bones, because the resident was not equipped with a personal safety alarm.

7 Mission Nursing Home, Plymouth, 2 health deficiencies

Two substantiated complaints: A worker forged documents and diverted narcotics for her own use. A worker hit a resident, giving him a cut on his chin.

Before you put your love one in a nursing facility check with your State Department of Health Services if any facility has had complaints and that those complaints have been in fact substantiated.

Adam Peck, ESQ

About the Author

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.