Reviewing the State of Alabama Nursing Homes

Baby boomers continue to shape the United States’ healthcare industry. The Population Reference Bureau reports that the median population age is older than ever and will continue to grow over the next three decades. 

The number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to increase more than 47 percent, and with that will come increased pressure on our healthcare system, particularly nursing homes and elderly care. Each state must consider its aging population and how it can support them in the coming decades. 

Alabama has more than 200 nursing homes, but many have been flagged for poor quality of care, potential abuse, and violations that turn many patients away from seeking care. We can learn a lot from these poorly rated Alabama nursing homes to help better prepare for our future needs.

The Current State of Alabama Nursing Homes

The Alabama Nursing Home Association offers positive reports about the state of Alabama Nursing homes. More than 80% of nursing home residents would recommend their facilities to others. Additionally, Alabama nursing homes rank higher than the national average in:

• Average care hours from certified nursing assistant
• Fewer depressive symptoms
• Fewer emergency department visits 

As the population ages, the number of patients in nursing homes will grow, increasing pressure on an already overtaxed system. These rankings may decrease over time as nursing homes continue to face staffing challenges and budget cuts. 

Negative Factors Contributing to Alabama Nursing Home Rankings

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) routinely evaluate Alabama nursing homes. They inspect facilities to ensure they adhere to the minimum requirements required to receive government funding. Factors included in these reports are as follows. 

1. Health and Safety Violations

Inspectors will review the premises to ensure they are clean and free from imminent health and safety violations. These include tripping hazards, exposed wiring, leaks, and other hazardous conditions. They can also refer to emergency preparedness procedures, infection control, and other processes to ensure the overall well-being of its residents.

2. Staffing Ratio

The CMS requires all patients to receive at least 3.48 hours of care daily, including 0.55 from a registered nurse, 2.45 from nurses’ aids, and 0.48 from additional staff members. On average, Alabama nursing home residents receive more care than is required. However, there is a disparity in care received, especially between nursing homes in low-income areas and in minority populations.

Nursing facilities with high staff-to-patient ratios, high vacancies, and high turnover can impact patients’ overall quality of care and negatively impact a nursing home’s ranking. 

3. Abuse Claims 

The CMS takes abuse claims seriously, and if a nursing home has been cited for abuse, it is reflected in its official rating. Additionally, the abuse claim is clearly noted on the Medicare website as patients search for potential nursing homes in Alabama. Even if the circumstances surrounding the abuse have been resolved, it is still publicly noted for visibility. 

4. Health Inspections

Federally funded nursing homes in Alabama must undergo annual health inspections. They are rated on food preparations, medication management, staff quality, and other qualifying circumstances. 

If they do not meet the minimum health standards, they may receive multiple inspections and be subject to fines and citations. Select violations will be posted on the Medicare website, and failure to adequately resolve issues can result in a loss of funding.

5. Resident Surveys 

Nursing homes are required to survey current or former residents who have spent more than 100 days within the facility to qualify for federal funding. These surveys are conducted randomly on an annual basis and include questions about basic care, staff, facility quality, and more.  

The CMS considers these surveys in their ranking to ensure the residents’ voices are heard. They want to provide a comprehensive view of what life is really like in a nursing home. 

What Negative Rankings Mean for Care at Alabama Nursing Homes

The CMS provides impartial rankings of nursing homes in Alabama to help consumers understand the environment at nursing homes. If issues are not addressed, it can result in a loss of funding and closure. In the long term, this could lead to gaps in care with the increasing demand for elder care in the United States.

The best way to improve nursing home care in Alabama is to hold nursing homes accountable for their actions.

• Report violations, neglect, and abuse to the nursing home directly and to the Alabama Department of Health.
• Be honest in resident surveys to capture the environment at the nursing home.
• Leave reviews about you or your loved ones’ experiences. 

Alabama nursing home care is above the national standards, but there are still subpar facilities that can impact the overall quality of care within the state. The future of Alabama nursing home care is at stake if issues cannot be addressed promptly and effectively.