Hey everyone, let’s dive into the latest numbers on nursing homes across the country. Think of this as your monthly check-up on the state of care facilities – a way to see what’s changing and what it might mean for you or your loved ones. I’m looking at January 2025 data, and comparing it to November 2024, to give us a snapshot of recent trends. And remember, these aren’t just numbers; they represent real people, real care, and real lives.
First off, the big picture. We’re seeing a slight contraction in the number of nursing homes. There were 14,792 facilities in January, down 15 from November. The total number of certified beds also dropped a bit, by 1,617, to 1,579,422. Now, these aren’t huge shifts, and it’s worth remembering that there’s always some fluctuation in these numbers due to reporting quirks. But it’s a trend worth watching, especially when you consider that back in 2014, we had significantly more facilities and beds. Overall occupancy is holding pretty steady, at around 77.9%, up just a tiny bit from 77.5% in November. This trend which has been ongoing for awhile is pretty troubling if you consider the number of beds that will be needed as the Baby Boomers start needing nursing homes. The oldest Baby Boomers are just now turning 80. (See WSJ Article).This long-term decrease in the number of facilities and beds is something to keep a close eye on. While a slight dip might not seem alarming, it raises questions about access to care, especially as the population ages. Are facilities closing because of financial pressures? Are they consolidating? These are questions we need to be asking.
Let’s talk about those star ratings that CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) uses. These ratings are supposed to give you a quick sense of a facility’s quality, from one to five stars. In January, we saw a bit of a mixed bag. About 2,136 homes saw their ratings go up, while 2,310 saw theirs go down. The changes were very small percentages of the total. The number homes with each rating changed as follows:
- 5-star: Increased from 2,528 to 2,754
- 4-star: Decreased from 2,536 to 2,493
- 3-star: Decreased from 2,964 to 2,841
- 2-star: Increased from 3,094 to 3,162
- 1-star: Decreased from 3,530 to 3,423
It is good to see that the number of 5-star facilities increased and the number of 1-star facilities decreased. While the increase in 5-star facilities and decrease in 1-star facilities is positive, it’s important to remember that these ratings are just one indicator. They’re based on a combination of factors, including health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. A high rating doesn’t guarantee perfect care, and a low rating doesn’t necessarily mean a facility is terrible. It’s a starting point for your research, not the final word.
Keep in mind that it usually takes CMS a couple of years to assign a rating to a brand-new facility, so there are always a few (140 in January) without a rating. This delay in rating new facilities highlights the importance of doing your own on-site visits and talking to current residents and their families. Don’t rely solely on the CMS rating, especially for newer homes.
One of the most important things to consider is staffing. After all, the people providing care are the heart of any nursing home. The government has been pushing for more registered nurse time per resident, and we’re seeing some very slight movement there. The average hours spent by registered nurses per resident per day ticked up a tiny bit, from 0.665 in November to 0.668 in January. Nursing aides are spending a little more time too, and overall staffing hours per resident are also up slightly. These are small changes, but they’re moving in the right direction, and hopefully, that trend will continue. The push for increased staffing, particularly registered nurses, is a direct response to concerns about quality of care. More staff generally means more individualized attention, better monitoring of residents’ health, and a lower risk of neglect. When you’re evaluating a nursing home, ask specific questions about staffing ratios. Don’t just ask about the total number of staff; ask about the number of RNs, LPNs, and CNAs on each shift, and how many residents they’re responsible for. Also ask about staff turnover. High turnover can be a sign of problems within the facility.
Another key piece of the puzzle is inspections. CMS is supposed to inspect every nursing home every year, but that hasn’t been happening consistently since the pandemic. The data shows 50 new inspections in January, which is good, but there are still a lot of facilities with inspection results that are over a year old. Regular inspections are crucial for catching problems and making sure residents are getting the care they deserve. The backlog of inspections is a serious concern. These inspections are the primary way that CMS monitors compliance with safety and quality standards. Without regular inspections, problems can go undetected for longer, putting residents at risk. If you’re considering a facility, ask to see their most recent inspection report. Pay close attention to any deficiencies cited, and ask the facility how they’ve addressed those issues. You can also look up inspection reports on the CMS website.
So, what does all this mean for you? It means that the nursing home landscape is constantly shifting, even if the changes seem small from month to month. It’s important to stay informed and to keep an eye on these trends. If you’re looking for a nursing home for yourself or a loved one, these numbers can give you some context, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Always dig deeper, visit facilities, talk to staff and residents, and trust your gut. Choosing a nursing home is a big decision, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions, and don’t settle for a facility that doesn’t feel right. Your loved one’s well-being is worth the effort.
This is just a snapshot of January’s data. We’ll keep tracking these trends and bringing you updates each month. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them!