The right nursing home keeps your loved one safe, comfortable, and well cared for. Here's a step-by-step approach to choosing wisely.
What steps should I follow to choose a nursing home?
Start by listing facilities near family using Medicare's Care Compare tool, filtering for the level of care your loved one needs. Compare star ratings, focusing on staffing and inspection sub-scores. Confirm each home accepts your payment method — Medicare for short skilled stays, or Medicaid if long-term funds may run out. Next, tour your top choices in person on different days and times. Observe staff-to-resident interactions, cleanliness, meal quality, and resident engagement. Ask about staff turnover, nurse coverage, and how medical needs are handled. Finally, talk to current residents' families. Weigh quality against location. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) for free help at every step.
What questions should I ask on a nursing home tour?
On a tour, ask the questions ratings can't answer. How many residents does each nurse and aide care for, and does that change at night? What is the staff turnover rate? How are medical emergencies handled, and is a physician on call? Can residents keep their own doctor? What activities, therapies, and dietary options are offered? How does the home prevent and report falls, infections, and pressure sores? What happens if private funds run out — does it accept Medicaid? Request a copy of the latest inspection report. Trust your senses: cleanliness, odors, and how residents look and are treated reveal a lot. Our agents can help you prepare. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP.