Where Are Seniors Most at Risk This Flu Season? Infection Control Ratings Across the U.S.
- Florida ranks as the best state for nursing home infection control, with only 20% of facilities cited for deficiencies.
- New study analyzes infection control deficiencies in nursing homes across the U.S., ranking the best and worst states, with a focus on flu season risks.
- California reports the highest infection control deficiencies, affecting 80% of its nursing homes.
The research, conducted by Bader Scott injury lawyers, reveals which states are excelling and which are falling short in infection control within nursing homes—an issue that directly impacts the health and safety of residents, especially during flu season.
The study, which analyzed data from certified nursing facilities across all 50 states, highlights infection control gaps that pose significant risks. Flu season is particularly dangerous for nursing home residents, who are more vulnerable due to age and underlying health conditions.
Effective infection control is vital in preventing the spread of the flu and other illnesses, safeguarding both residents and staff. Without proper measures, nursing homes risk exposing their residents to severe health complications, especially at the height of flu season.
Florida ranks first with the lowest rate of infection control deficiencies in nursing homes. Only 20% of its 697 facilities were cited, well below the 47% national average.
Despite having one of the highest numbers of nursing homes in the country, Florida maintains strong infection control measures, a key factor in protecting seniors—especially during flu season.
South Carolina comes second on the list, with just 29% of its 188 nursing homes cited for infection control issues. The state also has a lower-than-average deficiency rate per facility, reflecting its focus on keeping residents safe from infections.
North Carolina and Arizona tie for third place, each with 30% of their nursing homes cited for infection control deficiencies—420 facilities in North Carolina and 142 in Arizona.
Georgia takes the fourth spot, with 31% of its nursing homes cited for infection control deficiencies. With a lower-than-average overall deficiency rate, the state demonstrates strong efforts to keep residents safe.
With 32% of their nursing homes cited for infection control deficiencies, New York (606 facilities), Louisiana (269 facilities), and Pennsylvania (672 facilities) share the fifth spot.
Mississippi ranks sixth, with 33% of its 202 nursing homes cited, while Alabama follows in seventh place, with 34% of its 225 nursing homes cited. Despite the higher deficiency rate, Alabama stands out for having the lowest average number of deficiencies per facility, highlighting its commitment to high-quality care.
Kentucky ranks eighth, with 35% of its 276 nursing homes cited for infection control deficiencies. The state is actively working to strengthen infection control measures and improve facility standards.
Arkansas has 36% of its 218 nursing homes cited for infection control issues. The state is focusing on targeted improvements to enhance infection control practices across its facilities and better safeguard its residents, ranking ninth.
Tennessee takes the tenth position, with 37% of its 312 nursing homes cited for infection control deficiencies. Although the deficiency rate is higher compared to the other states, Tennessee remains dedicated to improving care standards and strengthening infection prevention protocols to ensure residents’ health and safety.
Top 10 states with the lowest infection control deficiencies:
| Rank | State | Number of Nursing Facilities | Infection Control Deficiency Rate |
| 1. | Florida | 697 | 20% |
| 2. | South Carolina | 188 | 29% |
| 3.(=) | North Carolina | 420 | 30% |
| 3.(=) | Arizona | 142 | 30% |
| 4. | Georgia | 357 | 31% |
| 5.(=) | New York | 606 | 32% |
| 5.(=) | Louisiana | 269 | 32% |
| 5.(=) | Pennsylvania | 672 | 32% |
| 6. | Mississippi | 202 | 33% |
| 7. | Alabama | 225 | 34% |
| 8. | Kentucky | 276 | 35% |
| 9. | Arkansas | 218 | 36% |
| 10. | Tennessee | 312 | 37% |
At the opposite end, California ranks worst, with a staggering 80% of its 1,170 nursing facilities cited for infection control deficiencies. This alarming rate highlights significant gaps in infection control practices, posing a serious risk to residents’ health.
Washington ranks second, with 71% of its 198 nursing homes reported for infection control deficiencies, followed by Alaska in third with 70% of its 20 nursing homes cited. These high deficiency rates emphasize the critical need for better infection control practices, even in smaller facilities.
Massachusetts follows in fourth place, with 67% of its 353 nursing facilities cited. The widespread deficiencies highlight a critical need for stronger infection control standards, especially during flu season, to better protect residents.
New Mexico ranks fifth, with 65% of its 68 nursing facilities cited for infection control deficiencies. Nebraska follows sixth, with 62% of its 185 facilities reported, highlighting the need for immediate action to protect residents.
Idaho (80 facilities), Missouri (510 facilities), and Hawaii (43 facilities) each have 60% of their nursing homes reported with infection control deficiencies, well above the 47% national average.
Montana follows in eighth place, with 58% of its 62 nursing facilities cited for infection control issues. While the state has fewer facilities, the high deficiency rate highlights a need for immediate action to improve infection control and resident safety.
Utah ranks ninth, with 57% of its 98 nursing homes cited for infection control deficiencies, while Michigan rounds out the bottom 10, with 55% of its 430 nursing homes cited. These high deficiency rates emphasize the need for urgent improvements in infection control practices.
Top 10 states with the highest infection control deficiencies:
| Rank | State | Number of Nursing Facilities | Infection Control Deficiency Rate |
| 1. | California | 1,170 | 80% |
| 2. | Washington | 198 | 71% |
| 3. | Alaska | 20 | 70% |
| 4. | Massachusetts | 353 | 67% |
| 5. | New Mexico | 68 | 65% |
| 6. | Nebraska | 185 | 62% |
| 7. (=) | Idaho | 80 | 60% |
| 7.(=) | Missouri | 510 | 60% |
| 7.(=) | Hawaii | 43 | 60% |
| 8. | Montana | 62 | 58% |
| 9. | Utah | 98 | 57% |
| 10. | Michigan | 430 | 55% |
A spokesperson at Bader Scott commented on the study: “As flu season peaks, the risk of infections in nursing homes is a growing concern. Seniors, particularly those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions, are at a much higher risk of severe complications from the flu and other infections.
“Nursing homes must implement strict infection control practices to prevent outbreaks, but families must also stay vigilant and informed about the standards at their loved one’s facility. Even minor lapses in infection control can lead to devastating consequences for residents.
“By actively engaging with facility staff and ensuring proper precautions are in place, families can help protect their loved ones during this vulnerable time of year.”
story credit: https://baderscott.com/.
Source:
https://www.kff.org/state-category/providers-service-use/nursing-facilities/
Methodology:
Data was collected from the Kaiser Family Foundation’s analysis of nursing facility deficiencies, focusing on infection control deficiencies. The study examined the number of facilities that received citations for infection control deficiencies in each state. By calculating the percentage of facilities with such deficiencies, the study identified states with the best and worst infection control practices.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
