Texas nursing homes ranked worst in nation

Amarillo, TX - Texas has been ranked the worst state in the nation for it's nursing home care. And Amarillo is reportedly one of the worst cities in Texas. The city has twice the amount of severe deficiencies, 40 percent compared to the states average of 20 percent, which is reported through the U.S. Government's site for Medicare.

The state of Texas, being the worst in the nation for nursing home care, is assessed in 8 categories... it failed 6 of them.

Brian Lee, the Executive Director of Families For Better Care, said Amarillo needs help.

"It's a crummy proposition for families who live in the greater Amarillo area," Lee said. "When you look at some of the inspection reports that have come out of nursing homes over the last few years, a wide range of problems from widespread pressure sores in some facilities, and people not getting treated properly as far as medications are concerned, and people even neglect to the point near death."

Five nursing homes in the area, Bivins Memorial Nursing Home, Country Club Nursing and Rehabilitation, Vivians Nursing Home, Plum Creek Health Care Center and Kirkland Court health and Rehabilitation Center have had violations where patients were subject to neglect, abuse, or worse.

A case where a facility's boiler broke resulted in patients taking hot showers getting scolded and burned. Another case indicates patients were being withheld their proper medications, leading to health scares and concerns. Other facilities were reported for leaving patients unattended, which has led to serious injuries.

Lee adds all of these issues come down to staffing.

"By large, states that performed better have more staffing to take care of residents on the front lines and also more licensed and professional nurses supervising, and training and supporting those front line care givers," Lee said.

He also said this ranking is shameful, and should spark the attention of Governor Perry, the Texas Legislature and nursing home operators in Texas. He adds a state senator in Georgetown, Texas is proposing a plan to revoke facilities licenses after three reports of deficiencies in a 24 month period.

You can search specific nursing homes and view their inspection reports.