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Inspection Finds Room for Improvement at Area Nursing Homes

By JAMES FERGUSSON

Those searching for a nursing home in the area will find a mixed bag, according to the latest inspection report from the state Department of Health. The document, which was obtained through a Freedom of Information Law request, revealed that only one local facility, the Jewish Home and Hospital, met all the safety and quality requirements.

Four other institutions were awarded deficiency citations. The Wayne Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation received two, Bainbridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center got three, University Nursing Home netted five, and Mosholu Parkway Nursing and Rehabilitation Center was hit with seven.

In Mosholu Parkway’s case, the citations were issued last year for findings like smoking in unauthorized areas, improper use of physical restraints, and failure to ensure proper infection control. The majority were isolated cases that affected a few residents and caused a minimum level of harm, according to the report.

Leonie DeIrish-Stair, director of operations for Mosholu Parkway, defended the facility, attributing the citations to nervous staff and difficult residents. “We place special emphasis on courtesy,” she said. “We have a stable staff. [They are] very warm and accommodating.”

During a recent tour of Mosholu Parkway, a 122-bed home on Perry Avenue, the facility seemed a little worn, but clean and well-run. The staff were friendly and personable. “You look at the building and it’s not the most attractive. But what attracts people here is what we call the ‘Mosholu Spirit,’” said DeIrish-Stair, who knows each resident by name.

Robert Jackson, a Mosholu Parkway resident for the past three years, seemed satisfied with the facility. “The nursing home itself is pretty decent,” said Jackson, 55. “The food is pretty good. The staff treats you well. They’re respectful.”

DeIrish-Stair said they were in line with appropriate staffing levels. But Mosholu Parkway, Bainbridge Avenue and Wayne Center, all which are owned by MEDCO Enterprises, all ranked below average in New York State for staff ratios.

MEDCO did not return calls for comment by press time.

The Jewish Home, on West Kingsbridge Road, was the only facility that was free of citations. The home, which is also the only nonprofit in the group, had higher than average staffing levels.

Advocates debate the usefulness of the inspections. Richard Mollot of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, a city watchdog, thinks the reports aren’t strict enough. Mollot says that the visits are too easy to predict, allowing nursing homes to add additional staff beforehand.

DeIrish-Stair acknowledged that the visits are predictable. But she said her staff did not act differently, nor did they add more employees. “It’s business as usual,” she said.

Amy Paul of Friends and Relatives of the Institutionalized Aged, a city organization, said that people should do additional research before choosing a home for their loved ones. She suggests visiting at different times of the day, speaking with staff and residents, checking the food, and assessing the vitality of those living there.

“Low energy levels can suggest high levels of medication,” said Paul, who also recommends checking for stimulating activities and staff-patient interaction.

Advocates see the inspections as the first step in the process of making an informed nursing home choice. “Use them as a guide,” Paul said. “Don’t rely on them.”

Ed. note: The inspection reports can be ordered from the state Department of Health or from the individual home. Summaries can be found on the Medicare Web site, www.medicare.gov   The Friends and Relatives of the Institutionalized Aged provides written information and advice by phone. They can be reached at (212) 732-5667 or www.fria.org 

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