New Report Gives Illinois Nursing Homes Failing Grade
(CBS) -- A new report gives Illinois failing grades when it comes to nursing home care, reports WBBM's Nancy Harty.
New Report Gives Illinois Nursing Homes Failing Grade
Only two states got failing grades from the group Families for Better Care.
"It's pretty bad, I mean Illinois is one of the worst states when it comes to nursing home care," said Executive Director Brian Lee.
Lee says his non-profit reviewed federal data from three groups and put much of the blame on the number of nursing home employees.
"The staffing in Illinois nursing homes is near abysmal. They practically have skeleton crews working in nursing homes," says Lee.
He says that results in one in four homes being cited for serious problems, such as patients falling or being abused. He is challenging lawmakers and Governor Quinn to raise staffing requirements.
A spokeswoman for the state public health department says they have done just that.
Melaney Arnold says in addition, the state has brought in more inspectors and increased fines - which has lead to fewer violations.
