Two of three area Evergreen centers earn only one star

Carson City's three nursing homes received from one to four stars in a new five-star rating system unveiled by the Nevada Bureau of Licensure and Certification.

The Evergreen at Carson City Health and Rehabilitation, 3050 N. Ormsby Dr., was among 10 of the 48 centers in the state to receive only one star.

Gardnerville's Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation also received a single star.

Evergreen Mountainview Health, 201 Koontz Lane, received four of a possible five stars.

"The new five-star rating system provides Nevadans with a snapshot of the quality and safety information for each of the state's 48 nursing homes," said Marla McDade Williams, bureau chief of the Nevada Bureau of Licensure and Certification, in a prepared statement. "The data can now be used by patients, their families and providers to have a basis of comparison of Nevada nursing homes."

Across the state, seven nursing homes earned five stars, nine received four stars, 13 earned three stars and 10 received one star.

"Although some nursing homes are categorized as one-star, they still meet federal health and safety requirements," the press release points out.

Carson Convalescent Center earned two stars.

The rating system was developed by the federal centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services along with the states. The ratings are generated by considering health inspections and nurse staffing. It also judges 10 quality measures, such as how well the nursing home helps people keep their ability to dress and eat, or how well the nursing home prevents and treats skin ulcers.

No one at Evergreen was available for comment.

The three nursing homes are operated by Evergreen Healthcare Companies, with offices in Vancouver, Wash.

South Lyon Medical Center in Yerington earned four stars.

State officials said the rating system should be used to as a guide for family members in need of long-term care, not as a substitute for visiting the nursing home and talking with the staff.

Nursing home comparisons may be found at www.medicare.gov/nhcompare or by calling 1-800-medicare.