Medicare Sets Out to Reform Nursing Home Care

June 25, 2009

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued a new guidance, in reference to nursing homes and the care of the residents therein. The idea is to provide greater definition and clarity as to how to improve the quality of life for the elderly patients at nursing homes.

Surveys were and continue to be conducted at nursing homes across the country to ensure the following points:

• Ensuring residents live with dignity
• Care and service options are provided
• Environments meet residents “needs and preferences”
• A more “home-like” environment is provided
• Environments are de-institutionalized

In addition, the CMS will begin a cash incentive program pilot to see if cash incentives help nursing homes to improve their care, in regards to nurse staffing and preventable hospitalizations.  It was reported that nearly 1.5 million people live in 15,800 nursing homes around the country. Taxpayers spend about $72.5 billion every year, just to keep loved ones in subsidized nursing home care.