While the preference for many people in Connecticut would be to stay in their homes as they age, sometimes the best place for elder care is at a nursing home when in-home nursing care is not a viable option. However, not all nursing homes are alike, as a recent analysis of nursing home ratings demonstrates.

Beginning in 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began rating nursing homes on a rising scale of one to five stars. There have now been seven ratings periods since the system was implemented, and there are 564 nursing homes that have received the lowest rating, one star, in each and every rating period.

Of those 564 lowest rated nursing homes, several are in the Northeast, including one in Connecticut, three in Massachusetts, 13 in New Jersey and 26 in New York. The reasons a facility might receive one star are varied, but in general those facilities that have failed to improve from the worst rating may have issues with mistreatment of residents, consistently dirty linens and other equipment, or unlicensed specialists or caregivers.

This is not to say there is not quality care available to residents of Connecticut; many facilities received top ratings. However, it is up to prospective residents and their families to do their own research to determine what the best facility for them would be.

Senior citizens and their families in Connecticut who are, or will be, in need of in-home care, nursing assistance or nursing home care can also consult with an experienced elder care attorney who can explain all the options available to them and help them implement strategies that can help them get the care they need.

Source: USA Today, "As nursing home care improves, some problems slow to mend," Paul Monies, Feb. 10, 2012