Nursing Home Abuse News

Nursing Home Care Improving In Many Areas New CMS Data Show, New Steps Initiated

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced that fewer nursing home residents suffer from chronic pain and fewer physical restraints are being used, according to data collected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) two years after the launch of the HHS Nursing Home Quality Initiative (NHQI).

In addition to tracking quality measures as a way to improve long-term care, CMS is also beginning a new phase of initiatives to further improve care for seniors.

The new data show that 100 percent of states report a decrease in the prevalence of chronic pain in nursing home patients statewide since Secretary Thompson launched the NHQI in November 2002. Fully 92 percent of states also show declines in the use of physical restraints, according to the CMS data. Nationally, the prevalence of long-term pain decreased by 38 percent and the use of physical restraints declined by 23 percent.

"By working together, we're creating a higher quality of life for seniors in nursing homes and having a meaningful impact on the care they receive," Secretary Thompson said. "Improvements in quality mean improvements in the lives of nursing home residents as well as peace-of-mind for their families. The improved outcomes are a great first step, but we know much more can be done. In fact, we are initiating an aggressive new phase in our quality initiative that will further strengthen our enforcement actions when a nursing home fails to measure up."

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	Did You Know?
	Anyone can report nursing home abuse and neglect. Anyone can and should report abuse and neglect. It is a violation of state and federal law for any person, including facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members or guardians, or another resident, to abuse or neglect a resident. If you suspect abuse or neglect, or if a resident tells you they are experiencing this problem, it is important to believe the resident and report the allegation immediately. This will help prevent further suffering by any resident. Many states have laws that require the reporting of abuse and neglect. Find out what your state requires. Put your report in writing, date it, and keep a copy. Convey as much information as you can about the situation. Provide as much background information as possible. A thorough report will help the investigator to address the situation quickly.