Searching for a Safe Haven: Part 2

VIGO CO., Ind. (WTHI) - Baby boomers are the largest generation in American history, consisting of more than 77 million people.

What do you think is this group’s biggest concern? It’s not the economy or terrorism, but caring for their elderly parent.

It’s a concern that, in some cases, means placing that parent in a nursing home for long-term care.

There are two places to get great tools from the internet to aid in the search for a nursing home.

The state and federal sites not only provided a list of nursing homes across Indiana, but provide a report card style grading system: Medicare.gov will provide you with the federal grading system, and the Indiana or Illinois Dept. of Health will provide you with state report cards.

The National Report Card printed out from the federal government listed all nursing homes in Indiana. More specifically, it listed 39 Wabash Valley nursing homes, ranked anywhere from above average, to much below average.

Out of 39 listed, three were ranked as above average, and six were much below average. Also, six of the homes listed as much below average are located in southern Indiana. The largest problems, according to the report, are in Daviess Co., IN.

According to the state and national grading systems, of the five nursing homes in Daviess Co., three, all located in Washington, IN, are currently on a national watch list for their poor grades: Eastgate Manor Nursing and Residential, Washington Nursing Center and Hillside Manor Nursing Home.

The lowest on the list was Hillside Manor Nursing Home; however, the residents suggested a different story.

“Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Just because there are some bad report cards out there,” said Deb Williams, a nursing home resident. “Please come in and tour, look at how [patients] are being handled.”

Deb Williams is living at Hillside undergoing rehabilitation and therapy on an injured elbow. She and several other residents were cheerful and made sure it was known that they loved it there.

“I realize, yes, the numbers say this; however, I have seen the care and how they handle people here,” said Williams.

John Helm, Hillside’s Owner and Administrator, stated that he stands accountable for the reports.

“I have 30 years of experience in the city of Washington, most of which have been exemplary. We have had a couple of bad surveys, which I have been accountable for. When we have a player or two which created most of the problems,” said Helm.

Helm also said the problem employees responsible for the bad grades had been let go.

Getting above average grades on the national and state report cards were two Terre Haute facilities, including Westridge Healthcare Center on Margaret Ave.

It’s not the newest, shiniest building in town, but report cards are consistently good.

“Go to the properties, tour, look around. I would take not of any odors. Take not of the demeanors of the staff. Do people seem happy? Are there smiles when you walk through the building?” asked Gerrod Lambrecht from Westridge Healthcare.

John Helm from Hillside Manor adds, “Your most valuable asset is your mom or dad and for you to entrust that to a healthcare facility to take care of. Hopefully, you’re going to explore all the facilities and performances closely before you turn your mom and dad over to them.”

The bottom line, these report cards are a valuable tool in your search, but they are just a start.

Go to the places you are considering, ask questions and be observant.

Additional Information:

Of the 39 Wabash Valley nursing homes listed in the federal report card (Medicare.gov).. three were ranked “Above Average”. They were as follows:

Bertha D Garten Ketcham Mem Center

• 601 E. Race Street Odon, IN

Terre HauteNursing and Rehabilitation Center

• 830 S. 6th StreetTerre Haute, IN

WestridgeHealthcare Center

• 125 W. Margaret AveTerre Haute, IN

Here is how the numbers break down for the other nursing homes listed on the federal site.

The majority of Wabash Valley nursing homes (19 of the 39) were ranked Below Average by Medicare.gov
10 were Average. This includes the majority of the homes in Terre Haute (5).

Report cards are based on health inspections, nursing home staff, quality measures, and programs. The state report card includes three consecutive years of inspections.