Ohio nursing home and residential care facility residents are generally satisfied with the care they receive, according to the results of the 2009 Long-term Care Resident Satisfaction Survey released recently by the Ohio Department of Aging.

The average nursing home satisfaction score statewide was 85.85 (out of a possible 100). Of 955 participating nursing homes, 506 scored above the statewide average of 85.85, making them eligible for an additional “quality point” in a reimbursement formula used by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services as a way to reward quality in nursing homes.

Locally, Little Sisters of the Poor in Oregon, and the Genoa Care Center in Genoa were rated among the top 25 Ohio nursing homes for resident satisfaction. The Little Sisters of the Poor received a score of 96.51, while the survey respondents gave the Genoa Care Center a score of 95.34.

The Sacred Heart Home in Oregon was also rated among the top 25 residential care facilities for resident satisfaction, with a score of 98.42.

This was the second time the state has conducted a resident satisfaction survey of residential care facilities, better known as assisted living facilities. Ohio’s survey is the only statewide consumer satisfaction survey in assisted living facilities conducted in the nation. Of 558 participating assisted living facilities, 317 scored above the statewide average of 92.07.

“There is nobody better qualified to rate the quality of care facilities than those who live there and receive services,” said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Department of Aging. “Nursing homes and residential care facilities are an integral part of the long-term care system in Ohio and we are pleased that many continue to show a commitment to quality care and quality of life for their residents.”

The survey was conducted between August 2009 and January 2010 by Vital Research, LLC. Staff from Vital Research, Scripps Gerontology Center of Miami University and the Blenkner Institute trained interviewers, who met face-to-face with a sample of residents at each facility to fill out the survey, which was developed by Scripps and the Blenkner Institute.

“We appreciate the time and input from the residents who participated in the survey,” said Beverley Laubert, the State Long-term Care Ombudsman, whose office oversaw the survey. “We also appreciate the participation of the facilities and their staff who made such an effort possible. Working together - facilities, residents, families and advocates - we can achieve excellence.”

Residents were asked to rate their satisfaction with the facility’s environment, activities, administration, direct care/nursing assistants, laundry, meals and dining, social services, therapy, laundry and general satisfaction with the facility. Researchers identified two key questions for residents to consider: “Overall, do you like this facility?” and “Would you recommend this facility to a family member or friend?” Sixteen nursing homes and 26 assisted living facilities received a score of 100 on both questions.

The full survey results are available on the Ohio Long-term Care Consumer Guide Web site (www.ltcohio.org).

In 2010, family members of Ohio nursing facilities will be surveyed about their satisfaction with the facilities. Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities will be surveyed again in 2011.

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