The state of Massachusetts has at least 930,000 residents
aged 65 and older. According to the

estimates of the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, around 651,000 (70%) of them will need long term care at
some point and 372,000 (40%) will have to receive care in nursing homes. With
these many people who will soon need nursing home services, it is important
that the residents of Massachusetts know what to look for in a nursing home.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rates
nursing homes on three areas namely health inspections, nurse staffing and
quality measures. Based on their rating, the facilities mentioned below emerged
as the three best nursing homes in the state.
They are the only ones in Massachusetts that received five-star ratings
in four consecutive quarters from CMS.
1.
Bethany Skilled Nursing Facility – Operating
since 1991, this nursing home now has 101 certified beds. It is open for
Medicaid and Medicare patients. The facility’s licensed nurses spend about 77
minutes per resident per day. It is located in 97 Bethany Road Framingham, MA
and its phone number is 508-872-6750.
2.
Duxbury House Nursing Home – This nursing home
in Duxbury, MA provides skilled nursing and long term care to patients. Its operation
started as early as 1920s when they served as the retirement home of the senior
Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston. The nursing home only has 23 beds, all of
which are occupied. Its registered nurses spend 76 minutes per patient on a
daily basis; higher than the state average which is just 54 minutes. The
facility’s phone number is 508-972-6750.
3.
Heywood Transitional Care Center – Located at
242 Green St., Gardner, MA, this facility owned by a not-for-profit corporation
has 19 beds. It provide services for patients who are not yet ready to go home
such as those who are recovering from stroke, heart disease, cancer and
neurological disorders. Its phone number is 978-630-6126.
Although helpful, the ratings provided by CMS should only be
used as a guide. People who need long term care and their loved ones should
still visit nursing homes to see if the environment and level of care provided
suit their preferences and care needs.

There are many factors to consider in choosing nursing
homes. To learn more about them, https://www.altcp.org/. The website provides information about long
term care and where to receive it.

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