Jacksonville Injury Attorney Blog
Nine nursing homes in Jacksonville received a one-star inspection rating — the lowest possible rating on a scale of one to five issued by Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). This represents nearly one-third of all Jacksonville nursing homes.
The annual Florida Nursing Home Guide released in February 2013 rates nursing homes in Florida on quality of care, quality of life and administration. The on-site inspection further evaluates how well residents cared for, such as meeting their needs for nutrition and hydration, improper use of restraints, the proliferation of pressure ulcers, and being treated with dignity.
The following Jacksonville nursing homes received a one-star overall inspection rating:
• Consulate Health Care of Jacksonville • Harts Harbor Health Care Center • Lanier Manor • Palm Garden of Jacksonville • Riverwood Center • Summer Brook Health Care Center • St. Catherine Laboure Manor, Inc.
• Signature Healthcare of Jacksonville • West Jacksonville Health and Rehabilitation Center
A one-star rating means that the nursing home ranked in the bottom 20 percent compared to facilities in its geographic region. The Nursing Home Guide groups Duval County nursing homes with those in Baker, Clay, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns and Volusia counties.
In addition to receiving only one star in its overall inspection, Consulate Health Care of Jacksonville, also earned one-star ratings in providing its residents with quality of care, quality of life and administration. The facility has 116 beds and is located on Jacksonville’s Southside. Summer Brook Health Care Center and Lanier Manor also received one-star ratings in all four categories.
The report also provides inspection details and ranks the severity of each facility’s deficiencies. All of the nine facilities listed above were cited for various deficiencies, such as employing staff members who are guilty of prior abuse or mistreatment of residents, fire hazards, not having an infection control program in place, and unsanitary conditions, just to name a few.
If you are searching for a quality nursing home in Jacksonville, thoroughly research your options. In addition to reviewing the current Nursing Home Guide, the Agency for Health Care Administration also provides a Watch List detailing facilities operating under bankruptcy, in addition to those that did not meet minimum standards or correct prior nursing home violations on follow-up inspections.
Along with online research, the Agency for Health Care Administration recommends you call and visit nursing homes in your area to make sure they can meet your loved one’s needs. Pay particular attention to the disposition and condition of the residents, as well as the attitude of the medical staff. Observe the environment and make sure it is sanitary, orderly and free of obvious hazards.
Once you narrow down your search, the agency recommends face-to-face interviews with the nursing home administrator, and other key personnel, such as the director of nursing and the dietitian. Finally, talk to your loved one’s doctors and other care providers about your decision so you can an informed decision.
After your loved one becomes a nursing home resident, stay involved. Make frequent visits and participate in care treatment meetings. Ask to be informed of any medication changes or changes in health status. If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, you can register your concerns with the Agency for Healthcare Administration by calling toll-free (888) 419-3456.
Written by Elizabeth Allen
Our Jacksonville nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys are available to consult with you free of charge if you believe your loved one has been mistreated in a nursing home. Call today and we will be happy to evaluate your potential case at our downtown Jacksonville office or a place convenient to you. Unless our firm is able to secure an award on your behalf, you will not be charged.