Consumer groups and healthcare organizations praised the findings of the government’s Nursing Home Quality Initiative Wednesday but said that more work needs to be done to improve the care that is available in homes throughout the country.
“These early results are promising, but our members are in this for the long haul,” said Hal Daub, president and chief executive officer of the American Health Care Association.
During two press conferences Wednesday, groups working on behalf of nursing homes and consumers suggested improvements to the initiative. They also said that adequate Medicare and Medicaid funding needs to be maintained to continue to produce better results from homes.
Advocates said ombudsmen should play a role in the initiative. Some said a dedicated staff and retention of staff is the key to elevate nursing homes to a level of excellence.
