Thursday, December 18, 2008
Kotz / Legislature / Politics Study Says Tennessee's Nursing Homes Really Suck; Will the New Legislature Screw the Elderly Even More?
Posted by Pete Kotz on Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 4:06 PM
When the family values crowd takes over the legislature next month, it might wish to bypass the usual gays-guns-God agenda to tackle a more pressing matter: Getting biblical on the state's nursing home operators.
A new study by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ranks our homes for the elderly as the third worst in the nation. A full one-third received the lowest possible rating. Only 22 of Tennessee's 319 homes received a 5-star rating.
The study comes on the eve of what's sure to be a new fight in the legislature. As Scene's Jeff Woods wrote last February, the industry plowed loads of money into buying caps on damages when they're caught providing faulty care. The bill didn't pass. But since Republicans have a historical fetish for curtailing lawsuits from the general peasantry, nursing homes can expect a more welcoming reception at the Capitol in January.
This, however, poses something of a moral problem for the Godly new majority. It's not difficult to discern which side He would play for in a fight over protecting old people vs. protecting profits. Especially when said profiteers really suck at their jobs.
So Republicans must choose between their baser instincts, or actually upholding family values. We'll see if they're prepared to walk it like they talk it.
Following the jump is a list of Middle Tennessee homes that scored but a 1 on a 5 star scale...
Bordeaux Long Term Care in Nashville
Briley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Whites Creek
Cumberland Manor Nursing Center in Nashville
Donelson Place Care and Rehabilitation Center in Nashville
Green Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center in Nashville
Harpeth Terrace Convalescent Center in Franklin
Highland Manor Nursing and Rehab Center in Portland
Imperial Manor Convalescent Center in Madison
Northside Health Care Center in Murfreesboro
Peachtree Center Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Smyrna
Tennessee Veterans Home in Murfreesboro
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