How to choose a nursing home

Use the data to shortlist, then visit. The visit decides.

Before the visit

Filter by location (closer means easier visits, which matter), check the CMS overall and component ratings, look at staffing hours and turnover, and read the inspection history. Confirm whether the facility is Medicare- and Medicaid-certified, and whether it has the specific care you need — memory care, rehabilitation, ventilator care or bariatric services.

Questions to ask

What is the staff-to-resident ratio on nights and weekends? What is the registered-nurse coverage after hours? How often do administrators change? What is the current occupancy and is there a waiting list? How are care plans reviewed with families? What happens if the resident's needs increase — is there a higher level of care on site?

On the visit

Smell the air, watch how staff speak to residents, look at the activity calendar, taste the food, and ask residents and families what they think. Compare at least three facilities. Ratings narrow the list; the visit and the care plan decide.