Kevin W. Concannon, Commissioner Department of Human Services Tel. Human Services Commissioner Kevin W. Concannon announced today that licensing inspection reports on Maine nursing homes now are readily available to those with internet access. The Internet site for the Department s Bureau of Elder and Adult Services now includes a link to the federal agency that stores nursing home survey information. The site includes the name of the facility, type of ownership, date of last inspection, and a description of the scope and severity of health deficiencies. Select Nursing Facilities from the Resource Menu on the Bureau s home page.
Families often have to choose a nursing home for a loved one during a crisis.
The licensing reports are one important source of information about the quality of care in a particular home. Families should also visit the nursing home at different times of the day, talk with residents, staff and other families before making a decision said Commissioner Concannon. Quality, safe nursing home care is more important now than ever since hospitals now often transfer patients to nursing homes who, in past history, would have spent much longer stays in hospitals, added Concannon. The Internet site is an additional tool for families or social workers wishing to locate the most appropriate setting for a frail elderly, sick or disabled person. Visitors to facilities are urged to observe indications of the quality of life and care in a home.