Three Virginia nursing homes were ranked among the 131 worst nursing homes in the country, according to a list of underperforming facilities released earlier this week by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  The Virginia nursing homes on the list include Beacon Shores Nursing…

The “watch list” of nursing homes identified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as “underperforming” rose to 131 yesterday.  These facilities, called Special Focus Facilities (SFFs) by CMS, have had systemic compliance problems that have resulted in repeated serious deficiencies.  Serious deficiencies include such things…

A nurse at the Memphis VA Medical Center is leading the charge to prevent pressure ulcers (bed sores, pressure sores, decubitus ulcers).  Suzy Scott, RN has been researching pressure ulcers for about twenty years, and her research has reduced pressure ulcers significantly at her facility. …

According to the results of a project sponsored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), nursing homes can achieve “remarkable” results when they undertake diligent and sustained efforts to prevent serious pressure ulcers (bed sores, pressure sores, decubitus ulcers).  CMS’ nationwide pressure ulcer project…

An elderly nursing home patient’s hands and feet froze when he was left alone by staff and allowed to wander (elope) from the facility outside into below-freezing temperatures.  The patient, who had Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, and a known tendency to wander, exited the nursing home from a…

More nursing homes are being cited for serious violations, says a USA Today investigation.  Citations are issued by state agencies that investigate and license nursing home when they find examples of bad care.  The increase in citations may result, the story states,…