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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28, 2007

State Releases List of Top Nursing Homes for Resident Satisfaction
Twenty-five Facilities Scored 95 or Better on Survey

COLUMBUS - Ohio nursing home residents are generally satisfied with the care they receive, according to the results of the 2007 Nursing Home Resident Satisfaction Survey, released today by the Ohio Department of Aging.

The average satisfaction score statewide was 86.2 (out of a possible 100). Of the 955 participating facilities with statistically significant results, 518 scored above the statewide average, earning them a "quality point" in a reimbursement formula used by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to reward quality in nursing homes.

"There is probably nobody better qualified to rate the quality of care facilities than those who live there and received their services," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Department of Aging. "Nursing homes are an integral part of the long-term care system in Ohio and we are pleased that many continue to show a commitment to quality care and quality of life for their residents."

The survey was conducted by Vital Research, LLC, under contract with the department. Between July and December, 2007, interviewers trained by Vital Research, Scripps Gerontology Center of Miami University and the Margaret Blenkner Research Institute met face-to-face with more than 24,000 residents to complete the survey. The survey tool was designed by Scripps and the Blenkner Institute. Survey costs were supported by an annual fee paid to the state by facilities.

"We appreciate the time and input from the residents who participated in the survey," said Beverley Laubert, the State Long-term Care Ombudsman, whose office oversaw the survey. "We also appreciate the participation of the facilities and their staff who made such an effort possible. Working together - facilities, residents, families and advocates - we can achieve excellence."

Residents were asked their satisfaction with environment, activities, administration, choices, direct care/nursing assistants, laundry, meals and dining, social services, therapy and laundry, as well as their general satisfaction. Researchers identified two key questions: "Overall, do you like this facility?" and "Would you recommend this facility to a family member or friend?" Twenty-five facilities received a score of 100 on both questions.

The full survey results will be available on the Ohio Long-term Care Consumer Guide Web site (www.ltcohio.org) in early January.

The department simultaneously conducted a similar survey of residential care (assisted living) facility residents - the first statewide consumer satisfaction survey of its type in the nation. Results from that survey will be available on the online consumer guide in February.

In 2008, family members of Ohio nursing facility residents will be surveyed about their satisfaction with the care their loved ones receive. Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities will be surveyed again in 2009.

*Overall satisfaction score is the average score reported for all survey items
Download the complete list of overall scores... (PDF 187kb)

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.