Choosing a Nursing Home

If you are looking for a nursing home for yourself or a loved one, you want to choose a good facility. But how do you determine which facility is a good facility? Though “good” can be hard to define, some qualities are key to take into account.

Consider the following factors – and some vital resources – when searching for a nursing home.

Factors to Consider

1. Location and Accessibility
   1. Proximity to family and friends for frequent visits and outings.
   2. Accessibility for residents with mobility challenges, such as wheelchair access.
2. Quality of Care
   1. Look for state inspection reports and ratings by using Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare
   2. Assess staff-to-resident ratios and staff credentials.
   3. Observe interactions between staff and residents.
3. Specialized Services
   1. Ensure the facility offers services for specific needs, such as dementia care or rehabilitation.
   2. Check for access to physical therapy, occupational therapy, or mental health support.
4. Safety and Cleanliness
   1. Evaluate cleanliness, maintenance, and the overall environment.
   2. Ask about safety measures, including emergency response protocols and fall prevention.
5. Resident Life and Activities
   1. Inquire about social activities, events, and opportunities for engagement.
   2. Find out if there are spaces for recreation, dining, and outdoor access.
6. Meals and Nutrition
   1. Ask about meal plans, dietary accommodations, and food quality.
   2. Consider visiting during a meal to observe food service and presentation.
7. Resident and Family Feedback
   1. Speak with current residents and their families about their experiences.
   2. Read online reviews but be mindful of individual biases.
8. Licensing and Certification
   1. Confirm the facility is licensed and certified by the appropriate state and federal agencies.
9. Visits
   1. Arrange one or more visits to the nursing home.
   2. Consider taking a trusted friend or family member with you to provide an objective view of the facility.

 Other Resources

You may have several long-term care facilities in your area, so choosing the right one may feel overwhelming. However, there are rating systems you can consult to help you make a more informed decision.

U.S. News & World Report annually rates nursing homes. In 2025, it has ratings of nearly 15,000 nursing homes available on its website.

The New York State Department of Health also provides quality and safety information for all nursing homes in New York, including assigning each facility an overall star rating and separate star ratings for several individual quality measures.

If you would like to speak with an experienced elder law attorney regarding your situation or have questions about something you have read, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 1 (800) 680-1717. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.