Rating system will help families make informed choices for senior citizens.

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In an effort to support their request for the State of California
to provide federal government grading reports of nursing homes, Los Angeles
County Supervisors will link federal five-star ratings to the L.A.
County website. Supervisor Mike Antonovich will unveil the prototype of the link today in ceremonies at the county Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles.

The ratings, which go from one star to five (five is best),
are issued by the Federal Government
Center for Medicare and Medicaid
Services, a division of the Health and Human Services Department. The county
cannot require facilities to post their ratings, but can request the state to
make that requirement. That motion, proposed by Supervisor Michael Antonovich,
was passed at the last Board of Supervisors meeting.

The rating system is a tool for families looking for a
quality home for seniors. It does not replace visiting the facilities being
considered, but does provide background information on inspections in the areas
of health, staffing and quality of life.

“This vital information will equip families to make informed
decisions about the care for their loved ones.  It also provides
incentives for facilities to establish higher quality standards and
compliance,” said Antonovich. 

In Santa Clarita, the only facility that falls under the “nursing
home” criteria is the Santa Clarita Convalescent Hospital. It received a
three-star rating, which is “average.”

Antonovich is also responsible for the approval of the
County’s successful restaurant grading system established in 1997.