How to Choose a Nursing Home

If you decide to move to a nursing home, start looking for one before you need it to find the best home for you.


Here are your AARP Top Tips
for picking a nursing home.

If you're looking for a nursing home,
do your homework beforehand.

Don't wait until you need one.

Here are six things to consider.

Do some research online.

Visit government or nonprofit sites
like Medicare's Nursing Home Compare
or ProPublica's Nursing Home Inspect.

Look at the ratings,
especially for staffing levels.

Pick homes with four and five stars.

Watch out for homes with a history
of residents contracting fungal infections,
bacterial infections or the flu.

Keep close to relatives and friends if you can.

Visitors can provide crucial social connection
and ensure that you are getting good care.

You have to visit in person.

Is the center calm and quiet?
Are the residents well-groomed?

Do staff members interact closely
with the residents and know their names?

The “chandelier effect”
is when a home uses fancy decor
or has a high cost.

Don't let it fool you.

The quality of a home depends
on the people, not the price.

Know the Medicare rules
because they can be complex,
and your nursing home may not
be covered in your situation.

If you have questions about your coverage,
contact a Medicare representative.

For more tips on caregiving,
visit AARP.org/caregiving.