Guide to Choosing a Care Facility
Things to Consider
Choosing a skilled nursing facility for yourself or a loved one is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. This guide is a starting point to help you know what to look for and what questions to ask as you visit facilities and compare your options.
Other Resources
Visit the “Search Tools” section of Medicare.gov to access valuable online resources, including a tool to compare nursing homes and read inspection reports. This federal database provides quality ratings and detailed information about every Medicare-certified facility in the country.
Factors of Care for Families
Questions to Ask Before You Visit
Availability & Services
- Does the facility offer the specific type of care needed (short-term rehab, long-term care, memory care, etc.)?
- Is a bed currently available, or is there a waiting list?
- If specialized services are needed (rehabilitation therapy, dementia care, respiratory care), does the facility provide them?
- Is the location convenient for family, friends, and regular visitors?
What to Observe During Your Visit
Resident Appearance & Comfort
- Do residents appear clean, comfortable, and well-groomed?
- Are residents dressed appropriately for the time of day?
- Do residents seem engaged and content?
Living Spaces
- Is the facility clean, well-maintained, and free of unpleasant odors?
- Is the temperature comfortable for residents?
- Are hallways and common areas well-lit and easy to navigate?
- Is the noise level appropriate (not too loud or chaotic)?
Resident Rooms
- Do rooms contain personal belongings like photos, furniture, and decorations?
- Does each resident have adequate storage space (closet, drawers) for their belongings?
- Do residents have access to a private telephone and television?
- Can residents choose their roommate?
Staff Interactions
- Are staff members friendly, respectful, and warm with residents?
- Do you observe genuine relationships between staff and residents?
- Do all staff members wear identification badges?
- Does the facility have a full-time registered nurse (RN) on-site 24/7, in addition to the Director of Nursing?
- Are staff members responsive when residents ask for help?
Activities & Engagement
- Does the facility offer a varied calendar of activities that match residents’ interests and abilities?
- Are there activities available for residents who are room-bound?
- Is there an accessible outdoor area where residents can enjoy fresh air?
- Is staff available to help residents get outside?
Medical Care & Safety
- Can residents continue seeing their regular physician?
- Does the facility provide preventive care like annual flu shots and health screenings?
- Are care plan meetings scheduled at convenient times for families to attend?
- Have all deficiencies from the most recent state inspection been corrected?
- What is the facility’s emergency response protocol?
Additional Questions to Consider
- What are visiting hours? Are they flexible?
- How does the facility communicate with families about changes in a resident’s condition?
- What is included in the daily rate, and what costs extra?
- Is the facility Medicare and Medicaid certified?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
Trust Your Instincts
Numbers and checklists are important, but so is how you feel when you visit. Pay attention to the atmosphere. Does it feel warm and welcoming? Would you want your loved one to live here? Does the staff seem genuinely caring? Your gut feeling matters.