Start With Medicare Nursing Home Comparison Information
Medicare's Care Compare service provides important information about Medicare-certified nursing homes, including overall ratings, health inspections, staffing and quality measures.
That information can help you create a shortlist of facilities. However, a nursing home's rating does not tell you everything about whether that facility will be a good match for your family member's individual needs.
You can also visit the official Medicare Care Compare website when researching facilities.
What Should You Compare Between Nursing Homes?
Once you have several possible facilities, compare them using factors that matter to the person who may actually live there.
- Staffing: Does the facility appear adequately staffed during different shifts?
- Health inspections: Are there recurring safety or care concerns?
- Cleanliness: Does the facility look and smell clean when you visit?
- Resident interaction: Do residents appear comfortable and engaged?
- Communication: How will staff keep family members informed?
- Medical needs: Can the facility handle the person's specific care requirements?
- Location: Can family and friends visit conveniently?
- Activities: Are there meaningful activities appropriate for the resident?
- Meals: Can dietary restrictions and preferences be accommodated?
- Costs: What services are included and what may cost extra?
Don't Choose Based on the Star Rating Alone
Two nursing homes with similar ratings can provide very different experiences for an individual resident.
One facility might be closer to family. Another may have stronger programs for a particular care need. Another might simply feel more comfortable when you visit.
Think of ratings as one part of the decision rather than the entire decision.
Questions to Ask During a Nursing Home Visit
- How many staff members are typically available during daytime and overnight shifts?
- How often will we receive updates about our family member?
- How are medical emergencies handled?
- How are medications managed?
- What happens if the resident's care needs increase?
- How often can family members visit?
- What activities are available each week?
- How are complaints or concerns handled?
- Which services are included in the quoted cost?
- Are there additional charges we should expect?
Watch for Warning Signs
During your research and facility visits, pay attention to signs that deserve additional questions. These may include persistent unpleasant odors, unanswered call lights, residents appearing unattended, staff members who seem rushed or unwilling to answer questions, unexplained fees, or significant differences between what you were told and what you observe.
One observation does not necessarily mean a facility provides poor care, but concerns should be investigated before making a decision.
Need Help Comparing Your Options?
CareCompass helps you think through the factors that matter when evaluating senior-care options so you can approach the decision more systematically.
Open CareCompassMore Nursing Home Help
Have a specific question about nursing homes? Try our Nursing Home Q&A Tool.
You can also explore additional Senior Care Resources available on Smart App Site.
Smart App Site provides educational information and decision-support tools. It does not provide medical, legal or financial advice. Always verify important facility information directly with the facility and appropriate government or professional sources.