Nursing Home Ratings & Rankings

How to Compare Nursing Homes for a Friend or Loved One

There may come a time when you will need to choose a nursing home for a friend or relative. If that time is now, it helps to know how to compare nursing homes before deciding which one is best for your loved one. The first step is to make a list of facilities in your area.

Then, make an appointment to tour each one and speak to the administrator in charge. The nursing homes may also be able to mail you some literature about the facility. Although it may be time-consuming, touring each facility in person can really give you an idea about whether or not a nursing home is appropriate for your loved one or not.

When you tour a facility, pay close attention to your surroundings. Is the facility clean and pleasant? Do the residents seem happy and well-cared for? Does the staff appear professional, courteous and caring? If not, move on to the next facility on your list.

When you actually sit down with an administrator to discuss whether or not the facility is right for your loved one, you will need to ask any questions you have about costs, procedures and the schedule the senior citizens follow. You will want to get a good idea about what your loved one will be doing and the care they will be getting.

The Internet is a good research tool for comparing nursing homes. Try doing a Google search for the nursing homes you are considering. You may come up with more than just their website.

If there is any information online about news stories related to the nursing home, or if there are any message board discussions related to the nursing home, you will often be able to locate them using a keyword search. Another website you should use is the BBB, or Better Business Bureau. Here you can find out whether or not the nursing home has had any complaints filed against them.

Yet another way to find out more about nursing homes is to ask around to friends, family or peers who have elderly relatives in nursing homes. Sometimes, word of mouth is the best way to find the perfect nursing home for your loved one.