Evaluating a nursing home

With all the stories and news headlines about the dangers of nursing homes, how can the average person distinguish between a “good” nursing home and a “bad” nursing home?  There is no one nursing home that appeals to everyone.  Two people considering moving to a nursing home may have very different needs and may require different services.  They may also have contrasting preferences regarding the feel or tone of a nursing home.

Fortunately, there is a 68-page publication, available electronically, that can provide a starting point for comparing various long-term care options.  Updated in 2008, Medicare’s Guide to Choosing a Nursing Homeis arranged in easy-to-read chapters that discuss topics ranging from how to find and compare nursing homes, how to pay for nursing home care, the arrangements that should be made before entering a nursing home, and nursing home resident rights. 

There is a checklist that can be used to grade and compare the nursing homes that you might be considering for a family member.  It may not cover every area of interest for you and your family but is an excellent way to start organizing your search and may help clarify your thinking.

One section defines terms you are likely to hear and see in print when you start managing the care of a family member or start considering nursing home placement.  Another chapter lists free booklets and publications on a variety of topics related to Medicare funding and long term or nursing home care; in this chapter there is a chart of organizations (complete with mailing and internet addresses) that provide information on specific disease conditions you or your family member may be experiencing. 

The booklet is available in both English and Spanish. To get a free paper copy, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask for CMS Publication No. 02174. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.