Posted by Selecting the right nursing home requires thorough research and thoughtful inquiry. Identify the key questions to ask to ensure your loved one receives safe, dignified, and high-quality care. Walking into a nursing home for the first time can feel overwhelming. The sounds, the smells, and the faces of residents – it’s easy to become distracted by the environment and forget what truly matters. I learned this when helping my friend find care for her mother. We visited five facilities, and it wasn’t until the third that we realized we were asking the wrong questions. We were so focused on cost and activities that we nearly overlooked what mattered most: how the staff interacted with residents when they thought no one was watching. That lesson changed our approach entirely.
Begin by inquiring about staff qualifications and turnover rates. Inquire how many registered nurses are on duty per shift and how they handle staff shortages. High turnover often signals deeper problems, such as poor management or burnout, which directly impact care consistency. Ask how they train employees, not just clinically, but also in empathy and communication. The best answers will include ongoing education and low staff turnover rates.
Understand the approach to personalized care. Ask how individual care plans are created and who is involved in the process. Look for facilities that include family members and residents in these discussions whenever possible. Question how they accommodate personal preferences, from wake-up times to food choices, and how they document these preferences to ensure they’re respected across shifts.
Safety protocols deserve thorough exploration. Ask about fall prevention strategies, infection control procedures, and how they handle medical emergencies. Inquire about the maintenance of equipment and facilities, and request to see the most recent inspection reports. Pay attention to how transparent they are about past violations and what corrective actions they implemented.
Food and nutrition require specific questions. Ask to see sample menus and how they accommodate special diets. inquire about dining assistance procedures and whether residents have input into menu planning. Notice whether dining areas appear inviting and whether residents seem engaged during meals rather than fed.
Social and emotional well-being matters profoundly. Inquire about how the facility promotes community and prevents isolation. Question their approach to mental health support and whether they have dedicated staff for recreational therapy. Look for evidence of personalized engagement, not just bingo games, but activities that connect to residents’ lifelong interests and abilities.
Financial transparency is essential. Request a detailed breakdown of all costs and identify which services may incur additional charges. Inquire about their policy for residents who have exhausted their funds and transition to Medicaid. Thoroughly understand the contract terms, including discharge policies and grievance procedures.
The most revealing questions often arise from observation rather than direct questioning. Notice how staff address residents—by name or by room number? Watch how quickly call lights are answered and with what attitude. Observe whether residents appear clean, groomed, and appropriately dressed for the season and time of day. Listen for sounds of engagement or sounds of televisions dominating common spaces.
Trust requires understanding how communication works. Ask how families are notified about changes in condition, medication adjustments, or incidents. Inquire about regular family meetings and who serves as the primary point of contact for concerns. The best facilities will have clear communication protocols and welcome family involvement.
Ultimately, the right nursing home will welcome your questions without defensiveness, demonstrate pride in their work through specific examples rather than generalities, and show consistent evidence of treating residents with dignity and respect. The decision requires balancing practical considerations with that essential feeling that comes from seeing people cared for with genuine compassion and professionalism.
References
California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform. (2024, October 22). Nursing home evaluation checklist. https://canhr.org/nursing-home-evaluation-checklist/
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Selecting a nursing home: Checklist. https://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/LTCO%20Nursing%20Home%20Check%20List.pdf
Concordia Lutheran Ministries. (2025). What to Consider When Looking for a Nursing Home https://concordialm.org/blog/nursing-home-checklist/
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Guide to choosing a nursing home. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/-/scassets/files/org/medicine-institute/patient-caregiver/guides/choosing-a-nursing-home.pdf
Medicare.gov. (2018). Nursing home checklist. https://www.medicare.gov/sites/default/files/2018-07/nursing-home-checklist.pdf
California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform. (2024, October 22). Nursing home evaluation checklist. Retrieved from https://canhr.org/nursing-home-evaluation-checklist/
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Selecting a nursing home: Checklist. https://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/LTCO%20Nursing%20Home%20Check%20List.pdf
Concordia Lutheran Ministries. (2025). What to Consider When Looking for a Nursing Home: A Checklist. Retrieved from https://concordialm.org/blog/nursing-home-checklist/