Evaluate Factors

Location
Availability
Staffing
Medicare and Medicaid
Services and Fees
Religious and Cultural Preferences
Language
Special Care Needs

The next step is to call the nursing homes on your list. Ask about the following factors. They are very important and can narrow your list of nursing homes.

Location
Location is very important. If you choose a nursing home that is close to your family and friends, they may be able to visit you more often, and you may feel less lonely. Also, they can act as your advocate (supporter) if you need one.

Availability
Nursing homes have a limited number of beds. When you find a nursing home you like, you should find out if there will be a bed available for you or if you can add your name to a waiting list. Although nursing homes do not have to accept all applicants for admission, they do have to comply with Civil Rights provisions that prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, etc.

Staffing
It is important that the people who work in a nursing home are capable of performing their duties. This helps make sure that the residents are cared for and enjoy a good quality of life. Chapter 7 and the Check List in this publication have more detailed information.

Medicare and Medicaid
If you will be using Medicare or Medicaid to pay for your care, make certain that the nursing  homes on your list accept Medicare or Medicaid payment. Often, a facility will set aside only a few beds for Medicare or Medicaid residents. Find out if the home will have Medicare or Medicaid "beds" available when you need one. This is particularly important for people who change from paying privately to Medicaid during the course of their stay at a nursing home. When this happens, if "Medicaid" beds are not available, you may have to transfer to another facility. Even when Medicaid certified beds are available, under current law, a nursing home does not have to give one to a resident.

Services and Fees
The nursing home must inform you, in writing, about its services, charges, and fees before you enter the home. Most facilities charge a basic rate that covers room, meals, housekeeping, linen, general nursing care, recreation, and some personal care services. There may be extra charges for personal services, such as haircuts, manicures, and telephones. Get a copy of the fee schedule in advance so you can compare them with other homes.

Religious and Cultural Preferences
Do the nursing homes on your list offer the type of religious and cultural environment that you prefer, including any special diets your faith practice may require?

Language
Do the staff and many of the residents speak your primary language? If not, you may not be able to communicate your needs and may feel lonely in the environment.

Special Care Needs
Are the nursing homes on your list able to care for any special medical condition you may need? Examples of medical conditions are dementia, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or Alzheimers.

Paying for care

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