By: Lexi MooreAdministration and staff at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills were given something new to celebrate last week. The nursing home was recognized as one of the top in the state.The Minnesota Nursing Home Report Card is the first of its kind in the nation, and this is the first year Minnesota has used it.It was published by the Minnesota Department of Health and is available online at www.health.state.mn.us/nhrepartcard. The report card uses a star method to rank data such as hours of direct care, staff turnover, proportion of single rooms and state inspection results. Tuff received 33 out of 40 stars. The home rated above average in six of the eight categories.Director Dana Dahlquist explains why he feels the home performed so well."The report card results reflect what a great staff there is at the home, and we appreciate their efforts," he said. "That’s really what makes us good."Gov. Tim Pawlenty introduced the idea of a nursing home report card during his 2004 State of the State address.The state hired a professional firm to interview residents on their quality of life, including comfort, privacy, dignity and security."People who live in the homes can tell us a great deal about how they feel about their comfort and quality of care," Human Services Commissioner Kevin Goodno said in a press release. "These survey results give consumers an insider’s perspective on life in the facilities. This kind of information provides a rich foundation for the objective data in the report card."Residents were even asked about things such as meaningful activities, food enjoyment and spiritual well-being.Residents of Tuff rated the facility with five stars, the highest possible. Dahlquist said he was proud of the results of these interviews.The nursing home also received five stars for its state inspection results, which cover care-related citations.The two categories where the home received three stars each, meeting the state’s average, were staff turnover and staff retention.Dahlquist explains that these scores reflect the home’s position on hiring high school workers. The workers resign from their positions when they leave for college. As for administration, personnel most have been with the home for years."All of our main staff has stayed on board for many years, especially our department heads."Although Dahlquist said he likes the concept of the report card and is pleased with the results Tuff received, he encourages future residents and families to visit homes in the area when making new living decisions."The best thing you can do is visit each home and see the staff and people for yourself."The Minnesota Department of Health is responsible for licensing and inspecting nursing homes and certifies them for participation in the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs. The department also investigates complaints against nursing homes.The Department of Human Services is responsible for developing and interpreting policy concerning nursing home services, quality of care and rates. DHS also administers the Medical Assistance program, which in 2005 paid $425 million in state funds for nursing home services.
