Choosing a Facility

The valuable online tool is “Nursing Home Compare” found in the “Search Tools” area of medicare.gov

The Medicare website has a list of items that may help you determine what facility is best for you. Visit medicare.gov to find the full checklist or review this partial list below.

Compassionate, skilled nursing care is available when you need it, and a bed is available.

The center has special services if needed in a separate unit (e.g. dementia, ventilator, or rehabilitation), and a bed is available.

The facility is located close enough for friends and family to visit.

Residents are clean, appropriately dressed for the season or time of the day, and well-groomed.

It appears clean and well-kept.

The temperature is comfortable for residents.

Residents may have personal belongings and/or furniture in their rooms.

Each resident has a personal storage space (closet and drawers) in his or her room.

Residents have access to a personal telephone and television.

Residents have a choice of roommates.

Residents, including those who are unable to leave their rooms, may choose to take part in a variety of activities.

They have an outdoor area for resident use, and staff help residents go outside.

Residents get preventive care, like a yearly flu shot, to help keep them healthy.

Residents may still see their regular doctors.

Care plan meetings are held with residents and family members at times that are convenient whenever possible.

The facility has corrected all deficiencies (failure to meet one or more Federal or State requirements) on its last inspection report.