Cheverly, MD - In an effort to assist consumers and their families in making decisions about selecting a nursing home, The Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) has put together the Maryland Nursing Home Performance Evaluation Guide. The guide, which can be viewed at the commission's new web site (www.mhcc.state.md.us), ranks more than 200 nursing homes across the state on 27 "quality indicators". For each of the quality indicators, nursing homes were evaluated on whether they were in the top 20% of all facilities, in the middle or in bottom 10% of all facilities.

Out of the 19 nursing homes in Prince George's County that were rated, Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital and Nursing Center (GSSH & NC) had the most top rankings (14 quality indicator scores) in the top 20%. Sacred Heart Home in Hyattsville had the second most top rankings (13 quality indicator scores) in the top 20%. On a statewide basis, Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital and Nursing Center compiled the seventh best top ranking out of more than 200 nursing homes.

"The independent rankings are a verification of the expert care we provide on a daily basis and a tribute to the healthcare professionals who deliver it." says Winfield Kelly, president and CEO of Dimensions Healthcare System. The facility in the state with the most top rankings (17 quality indicators) in the top 20% was Holly Hill Manor in Towson. "Some examples of the quality indicators that the report ranked GSSH&NC in the top 20% of facilities across the state were fewer adverse events in the incidence of new fractures, fewer adverse events in the prevalence of falls, weight loss, symptoms of depression, fewer adverse events in the incidence of cognitive impairments and fewer adverse events in the prevalence of pain," cites Paul DeVore,M.D., medical director of the facility. "The report card is an excellent tool for families to look at independent data to help them make an informed choice about a difficult healthcare decision," says Stewart Seitz, vice president and director of Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital and Nursing Center. "However, the report card should only be one of several factors when considering which facility is best for a family member. The report card should not serve as a substitute for making a personal on site visit to a facility or facilities. Observing the condition of the physical plant, witnessing first hand the interaction of staff members and residents are important indicators in getting a feel for the quality of life and quality of care provided within a long term care setting as well,² added Seitz. The MHCC plans to update the information on this report at least twice yearly so families will have the most current information available when making a decision. The commission also plans to evaluate the type of information presented and add new information including new quality indicators, as they are developed.

Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital and Nursing Center is part of Dimensions Healthcare System, the largest not-for-profit health care system in Prince George's County.