Report Gives New Mexico’s Nursing Homes an ‘F’

As our parents and grandparents age, we often have no other choice but to rely on nursing homes to provide care for our loved ones. In such cases, the long-term care facility is given a large responsibility to properly ensure the well-being of our loved ones. Unfortunately, nursing homes often do not live up to those standards.

According to a recent report compiled by Families for Better Care, New Mexico is one of the worst states in the country when it comes to the care provided by its nursing homes. New Mexico received a failing grade and ranked 46th out of the 50 states.

The study examined nursing homes across the country, focusing on different criteria to determine the rankings, including:

  • Staffing levels.
  • Inspection grades.
  • Deficiencies.
  • Complaints.

In general, the report found that nursing homes across the United States are generally understaffed. In addition, the study found that deficiencies and complaints of neglect and abuse are common. According to the report, 90 percent of nursing homes in the U.S. have been cited for at least one deficiency by government regulators.

New Mexico’s Failing Grade for Nursing Home Care

Unfortunately, New Mexico received only one positive score of all the criteria examined in the study. New Mexico ranked 20th in the country when it came to having above-average health inspections, receiving a “B” in this category.

As for each of the other categories, New Mexico received mainly “D” and “F” ratings. According to the study, over 94 percent of the long-term care facilities in New Mexico were cited for deficiencies. In addition, more than 36 percent of the facilities had severe deficiencies, ranking New Mexico 47th overall in this category.

New Mexico also received failing scores for its staffing levels at nursing homes. Overall, nursing home residents receive, on average, 2.25 hours of direct care and only 0.75 hours of care from an RN each day in New Mexico. Only approximately 38 percent of New Mexico’s nursing homes have above-average staffing levels for direct care. In addition, only around 48.5 percent of its long-term care facilities have above-average RN staffing levels. When staffing levels are not appropriate, it is difficult for the facility to ensure each resident receives the necessary care to ensure their well-being.

If your loved one has not received proper treatment in a nursing home in New Mexico, seek the advice of a skilled legal professional to ensure your loved one’s rights are protected.

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