Getting to know care center qualifications

Many short- and long-term care providers love to showcase their accolades, achievements and accommodations. But what do those qualities mean to you or your loved ones?

When you're searching for the proper care center for yourself or a loved one, it's best to become familiar with the most important facility features and standards to put your care concerns at ease. 

Below are a few qualifications that many care facilities achieve and feature for inquiring individuals. Read through them to learn what they mean for you and your search for the right care.

Joint Commission Accreditation

The Joint Commission — a national overseer in healthcare — bestows accreditation to medical organizations and healthcare providers based on rigorous standards with the overall goal to improve healthcare in the community. Facilities seeking accreditation must be compliant with Joint Commission standards for a minimum of 12 months to receive the Gold Seal of Approval®.

What does Joint Commission mean to me?

If your facility has received the Gold Seal of Approval®, it means that your facility has outperformed other care centers in critical areas, including "quality of care outcomes" and "resident safety culture." A facility that has undergone this rigorous accreditation process should be high priority for families looking for quality care.

CMS Ratings

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees nursing homes and related care centers to ensure that key compliance measures are met. Thus, a five-star rating system was created to help patients and their families navigate the long-term care search with confidence.

What is a five-star rating?

When a facility has received a five-star rating in one of the key survey areas, this indicates that the care center has gone above and beyond in meeting CMS compliance measures. Areas of evaluation include health inspections, staffing and quality measures, and a facility ranking high in one or a combination of these areas should be given special attention in your search.

Expert clinical guidance

Whether you're seeking long-term care for your loved one, or searching for state-of-the-art therapy for your own recovery, an expert clinician — especially an on-site physician — can provide comprehensive, multifaceted care options from the moment a patient arrives at the facility.

Why an on-site physician?

Patients and their families can find comfort in the hands of a qualified and compassionate medical professional who is just down the hall. Eliminating the need for long-term scheduling and travel can create a smooth, stress-free clinical experience.

Benefits of an on-site physician include:

• Expert consultation with patients and their families regarding care decisions
• Improved patient outcomes
• Reduced hospital readmissions
• Timely intervention