As we grow older, we may find ourselves or our loved ones in need of a nursing home for short term (or long term) care. Nursing homes vary considerably in services provided, cleanliness, adherence to medical protocols, etc., and recent rollbacks of regulations and reductions in fines (Reuters, Jan. 11, 2018) may make finding an appropriate facility more difficult. Here are a few websites that can help you find and compare nursing homes, and obtain information regarding the quality of medical care and level of staffing provided. You may wish to identify a few facilities now, but update your list regularly as there may be changes in the administration/staff.
Medicare site info:
Medicare.gov - Find and Compare Nursing Homes
You can obtain information on the outcome of nursing home inspections at:
Nursing Home Inspect
You may wish to check for the latest information on a facility with the ombudsman program for the state (or if you have a problem with a nursing home or Long Term Care facility and need an advocate). This is a program run by the Administration on Aging. You can look up the information across the US at:
National Consumer Voice
In Texas, our ombudsman is:
Patty Ducayet , State LTC Ombudsman
HHS Office of the Ombudsman
PO Box 149030, MC - W623
Austin, tx 78714
Work: (512) 438-4356
Fax: (512) 438-3233
Website: https://www.dads.state.tx.us/news_info/ombudsman/
Our local representative is:
Lisa Hayes , Managing Local Ombudsman
AAA of Houston-Galveston Area
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Prog.
3555 Timmons Lane , Suite 120
Houston, tx 77027
Work: (713) 627-3200 or (800) 437-7396
Fax: (713) 993-2447
Area Served: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller and Wharton Counties