Core of Dale

Although we did not have many favorable things to say about this facility's overall grade, it did receive a respectable nursing score of B-. We assessed the skill-level of nurses employed by the nursing home, as well as the quantity of time those nurses were with residents, in computing our score in this category. This nursing home provides only 0 hours of nursing care per patient each day. This is a somewhat concerning figure as it is well below average. Finally, we also looked at several nursing quality-based metrics. While this nursing home got dinged a bit for nursing hours per resident, it excelled in a few of these quality-based measures. With less than five percent of its residents sustaining pressure ulcers, it fared remarkably well in this area. This can be a good indicator of quality nursing care. Pressure ulcers can many times be prevented by providing better nursing care, such as by employing a policy of moving a patient more often.

We also awarded this facility a middle of the pack grade in the category of short-term care, where we awarded it a grade of B-. With our short-term care rating, we endeavor to create a meaningful barometer for rehabilitation services. In doing so, we look at a facility's levels of highly-skilled nursing services, including both registered nurses and physical therapy, as well as respiratory therapy. Unfortunately, we found that this facility provided fewer physical therapist and registered nurse hours per resident than most other facilities. The more important thing is determining what effect this had on the quality of care. Lastly, we looked at the percentage of patients who eventually returned home from this nursing home. We found that 0 percent of this facility's residents were able to return home. This figure was well below the national average.

The third category we looked at is long-term care, where this facility was given a grade of B- in this category. In the area of long-term care, we assess the quantity of services offered by a nursing home, as opposed to more healthcare-oriented services. Once we assessed the quantity of care provided by aids and other staff, we turned to the nursing home's vaccination record. We were a bit bothered by the fact that this facility vaccinated 90 percent of its residents for pneumonia, which is quite a few points lower than what we were hoping for. On a more positive note, this place was able to limit hospitalizations. It had less than one hospitalization per 1,000 long-term resident days, which is an impressively low figure.

Unfortunately, this nursing home did not receive a favorable inspection score. We gave it a just D in this category. Inspection ratings relate to a facility's inspection reports. Our inspection scores weigh several factors included in a facility's inspection report. One key criteria we look at is the quantity and severity of deficiencies. This particular nursing home was assessed 4 deficiencies by CMS. The only favorable thing we can say is that none of these deficiencies were in the categories that suggest they posed a threat to resident safety or health. Finally, CMS cited this nursing home for possible abuse or neglect. Hopefully, its performance improves in the future, but until then we simply can't recommend this facility.