System gives top marks to most adult care homes

Virtually all of North Carolina's adult-care homes included in a new rating system are getting top marks under a system that awards stars to the homes.

Posted 11:04 a.m. Feb 20, 2009 — Updated 9:13 p.m. Mar 9, 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. — Virtually all of North Carolina's adult-care homes included in a new rating system are getting top marks under the system, which awards stars to the homes.

Fifty-eight of 62 facilities inspected received three stars, the highest possible rating available this year, according to the ratings released Friday.

No facility can receive yet the highest rating of four stars because it requires two consecutive inspection scores of 100 points. Forty-five facilities scored 100 points or more.

North Carolina has more than 1,200 adult-care homes, including family-care homes for six or fewer residents, as well as assisting-living centers, which are usually much larger.

The North Carolina Rating Program was introduced this year to help families make informed decisions about adult-care homes in the state.

Inspections started in January, and the state says it will take about a year for the remaining facilities to be inspected.

The ratings, however, don't include violations that happened before Jan. 1, but they are available by calling 919-855-3765.

Advocacy group Friends of Adult Care Homes advises families to use the rating as part of their process in deciding their care options. It also recommends visiting facilities, speaking with residents and consulting with adult home specialists before making any decisions.

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