Moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility can feel like a big step, whether it’s for you or someone you love. Maybe it’s recovery from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or needing help with daily tasks. Whatever the reason, peace of mind that comes with finding the right place is key.
What is Nursing Home Care?
Nursing homes are not just for long-term stays — some people go for short-term rehab after a hospital visit, like physical therapy after a knee replacement. Others need ongoing help with things like bathing, eating, or specialized care for conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Here’s what nursing homes typically provide:
- Short-term care: Rehab after surgery or illness (think pneumonia recovery).
- Long-term care: Help with daily activities like dressing or eating.
- Specialized care or skilled nursing: Support for dementia or other chronic conditions.
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Finding and Comparing Nursing Homes in Hawai’i
Start your search at Medicare.gov/care-compare. It’s a one-stop shop to find and compare nursing homes. Just select “Nursing homes including rehab services,” enter your location, and browse. You can compare up to three facilities side by side, checking:
- Star ratings (1 to 5 stars, with 5 being top-notch).
- Health and safety inspections.
- Staffing levels.
- Quality measures (like flu shot rates or fall injuries).
- Abuse citations.
Every nursing home listed is Medicare-certified, meaning they meet certain quality standards. Star ratings are handy, but they’re not the whole story—visiting in person is a must.
Nursing Home Staffing Shortages Affect Care Quality
A critical shortage of healthcare workers—over 4,600 vacancies across Hawai’i—is putting serious pressure on nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and home health services.
Hawai‘i lacks more than 600 certified nurse aides and over 300 nursing assistants, with home health aides facing a 30% vacancy rate. These gaps mean fewer trained professionals are available to assist with daily care, medical needs, and supervision—raising the risk of neglect or delayed treatment.
A 2019 federal investigation placed six Hawai’i nursing homes on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) list of troubled facilities due to ongoing quality-of-care concerns.
Understaffing Can Increase the Risk of Elder Abuse
In facilities where staff are overworked or stretched thin, abuse and neglect may go unnoticed. Families should be aware of potential red flags, including:
- Unexplained injuries or weight loss
- Sudden emotional withdrawal or fear
- Poor hygiene or unsanitary conditions
- Delayed responses to call buttons or limited communication
How to Report Concerns in Hawai‘i
If you suspect a loved one is being mistreated in a care facility:
- Call 911 for emergencies
- Contact Adult Protective Services: 808-832-5115
- Reach the Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 808-586-7268
- File a complaint with the Office of Health Care Assurance: 808-692-7227
Keep detailed notes, document incidents, and don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance if needed.
Why Advocacy Matters
The caregiver shortage is not only a crisis for individual families—it’s causing a ripple effect through Hawai‘i’s entire healthcare system, from overcrowded hospitals to delayed discharges. Choosing the right nursing home now means doing thorough research, asking hard questions, and staying involved in your loved one’s care.
For more details, check out “Your Guide to Living in a Nursing Home” at Medicare.gov/publications.
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