Choosing the right long-term care facility

Selecting a long-term care facility can be overwhelming. Consider the following questions for you or the person you are helping to make decisions:

• What level of service do you need? Do you need help with getting dressed or using the toilet? What regular medical care do you need? What type of help do you need with meals or housekeeping? What kind of care does your doctor recommend?
• What are your personal preferences? Would you prefer a smaller facility or certain living arrangements, such as a single room? Would you rather eat your meals in a community dining room or in your own room? What amenities are most important?
• What are the institution's rules? Can residents choose when to get up and go to bed? When are visitors allowed, and what social activities are offered? Can residents continue to see their personal doctors?
• What amenities are provided? What types of recreational or social activities are provided? Are there opportunities to participate in religious or cultural events? What types of transportation services are provided?
• What can you afford? Get the details on prices, fees and services. Know what's included in the monthly fee and what costs extra.
• What's available close to home? Being close to friends and family can ease the transition to long-term care. If vacancies are an issue, ask about waiting lists.
• What's your first impression? Schedule a tour of the facility. Does the facility seem safe and clean, and are residents treated respectfully? Do they seem happy? Does the facility smell OK, and is the temperature comfortable? Are there enough caregivers on staff? Make a second unannounced visit to confirm your first impression.
• How does the facility compare with others? Use tools such as Nursing Home Compare on the Medicare website. Ask a long-term care ombudsman — an official who investigates complaints against long-term care facilities — about the strengths and weaknesses of specific facilities. To find a local ombudsman, use the Eldercare Locator, an online service of the U.S. Administration on Aging.

Also, get opinions from friends and family who have experience with nursing homes. Ask your doctor for a recommendation and if he or she sees patients in any nursing homes. Social workers, hospital discharge planners and local agencies on aging might provide suggestions as well.