Thank you for joining us for this informative and empowering session on how to choose a nursing home. We hope the knowledge shared will help you feel more confident navigating this important decision for yourself or a loved one.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Understand What Nursing Homes Provide

Nursing homes offer 24/7 nursing care, help with daily living activities (like bathing, dressing, eating), meals, and medication management. Unlike assisted living, a nursing home is a medical environment with licensed staff always on duty.

Know Where to Find Inspection Reports

Each state conducts annual nursing home surveys, and the results are public. You can request this information directly from the facility or find it online at Medicare.gov, which also provides a five-star rating system for comparison.

Learn to Spot Red Flags

Warning signs of inadequate care include frequent dehydration, pressure ulcers, high infection rates, frequent or unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, or heavy use of antipsychotic medications. These may indicate issues with staffing or attention to resident needs.

Ask the Right Questions During Visits

Inquire about what's included in the monthly cost (e.g., TV, phone, internet), staff-to-resident ratios, and how the facility handles care planning and emergencies. Talk to members of the resident council if possible—they can offer honest insights about daily life in the facility.

Use Ratings, But Don’t Rely on Them Alone

The five-star system rates health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, but it doesn’t always tell the whole story. Visiting in person, reviewing survey results, and talking with staff and residents provides a clearer picture.

Disclaimer: This class provided general information for educational purposes. Always consult with a qualified healthcare or social services professional when making long-term care decisions.