Finding a nursing home

Nursing homes provide a wide range of health and personal care services for people in need of short-term rehabilitation or long-term care. If you are looking for a nursing home, your doctor may be able to recommend a few to consider, but there are several questions you should ask to ensure you find a facility that meets your individual needs.

Before picking a nursing home, consider questions such as:

  • Do I need certain amenities like physical therapy, a religious connection, or hospice or dementia care?
  • How much does care cost at the places I am considering? Are there any waiting lists?
  • How many people live there? Do they look well cared for? Do I see warm interaction between staff and residents?
  • Has the nursing home been inspected by the State recently? Can I see the most recent inspection report?
  • Have I met key members of the staff? Do I understand everything in the contract?

Get more tips on choosing a nursing home at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.