(Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has just released its April report regarding the status of nursing homes across the country.
More than 400 facilities are considered to be “Special Focus Facilities,” meaning they have consistently performed poorly and are now subject to additional inspections and oversight. Several of those facilities are in the Pittsburgh region.
The list is compiled monthly based on inspection data, but most of the information was not previously available to the public. U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is among the lawmakers who pushed to have the full report released.
“This is information that families should have – or an individual should have – if they’re in a nursing home or they’re considering placement in a nursing home,” says Casey.
The Grove at North Huntingdon and Twin Lakes Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Greensburg are among the lowest-ranked (SFF) facilities in our area.
Five additional facilities are listed as “SFF Candidate,” meaning they too have a history of troubles.
They are Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Beaver, Mount View Care and Rehabilitation Center in Greensburg, William Penn Care Center in Jeanette, Corner View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Homewood, and The Grove at Latrobe.
Senator Casey says some details in the report are alarming, but he adds that most facilities nationwide, and in Pennsylvania, are doing a good job of providing care.
“Roughly 3% of nursing homes fall in the SFF category. So it’s a relatively low number. We shouldn’t generalize about nursing homes.”