The US News approach emphasizes positive patient outcomes and adequate staffing.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — US News & World Report, the global authority on healthcare rankings and consumer advice, today reveals the 2024 Best Nursing Homes ratings.
Since 2009, US News’ annual Best Nursing Homes has helped consumers and their families decide where to go to receive quality rehabilitation and nursing home care. The 2024 edition of Best Nursing Homes has ratings of more than 15,000 nursing homes, analyzed by patient and resident outcomes, such as infection rates; staffing levels; dependence on antipsychotic drugs; health inspection results and other quality indicators.
The latest data revealed that less than 5% of evaluated nursing homes met both the staffing requirements and the newly proposed staffing requirements of the Biden administration.
“US News’ Best Nursing Homes ratings provide patients, senior residents, their families and caregivers with an objective assessment of quality, to help them choose the facility that best fits their individual needs,” said Daniel Lara Agudelo, health data analyst at US News. “Nursing homes that have earned U.S. News recognition have a track record of achieving better outcomes for patients and residents, and maximizing the value of care that they receive from nurses and other staff.”
On the note of the latest Best Nursing Homes ratings:
- Nearly one in five (19%) of the more than 15,000 evaluated nursing homes were recognized as “Best Nursing Homes” in “Short-Term Rehabilitation,” “Long-Term Care,” or both.
- 1,831 US cities and towns have at least one “Best Nursing Home.”
- 2,549 US cities and towns have at least one “Below Average”-rated nursing home.
- 436 nursing homes consistently (on 20% or more days) fail to meet current federal requirements mandates that a registered nurse be available for at least eight hours a day, seven days a week. Only 701 nursing homes meet the same requirements and stricter staffing requirements recently proposed by the Biden administration. Nursing homes that meet both staffing standards are 54 times more likely to be rated a “Best Nursing Home” by US News than those that consistently fail to meet the current standard.
- A US News analysis found that in 22% of nursing homes, at least one in four residents received antipsychotic medications. Government investigators concluded that some nursing homes use antipsychotics and related drugs inappropriately, putting nursing home residents at risk.
- The 445 nursing homes that received 4 or 5 stars from CMS were rated 1 or 2 (out of 5) by US News.
To calculate the Best Nursing Homes ratings, US News evaluated the performance of each nursing home using a variety of quality measures obtained from CMS. The US News methodology data factors such as data on resident care, safety, outcomes and other aspects of quality. Short- and long-term ratings included data on nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic medications and success in preventing ER and hospital visits. The long-term care rating also includes measures of when a home changes ownership and how well they are staffed on weekends.
For more information, visit Best Nursing Homes and use #BestNursingHomes to Facebook and X (formal Twitter).
About US News & World Report
US News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues. which affects their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Automotive, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews on the platform, US News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and US News Live events. More than 40 million people have visited USNews.com monthly for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, US News is located in the Washington DC
SOURCE US News & World Report, LP