How to Choose a Nursing Home or Rehab Facility

1. Determine the Type of Care Needed

Not all facilities offer the same level of care. Understanding the patient’s needs will help narrow down the best options.

1.1 Assess Whether a Nursing Home or Rehab Facility is Needed

Nursing homes provide long-term care, while rehab facilities focus on short-term recovery.

How to do this:

• If your loved one needs help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating), a nursing home may be the best option.
• If they are recovering from surgery, illness, or injury and need therapy, a rehab facility is more appropriate.
• Talk to their doctor or hospital discharge planner for recommendations.

Why it matters:

• Ensures the right level of care for their medical and personal needs.
• Helps prevent unnecessary costs or an incorrect placement.

1.2 Identify Any Specialized Care Needs

Some facilities specialize in conditions like dementia, stroke recovery, or ventilator care.

How to do this:

• Determine if your loved one has Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or other specialized care needs.
• Look for facilities with dedicated memory care units or skilled nursing capabilities.
• Ask about staff experience with specific conditions.

Why it matters:

• Specialized care improves safety and quality of life for those with complex needs.
• Ensures staff are trained to handle medical and behavioral challenges.

2. Research Potential Facilities

Finding the right facility requires comparing multiple options.

2.1 Gather Recommendations

Start by creating a list of potential facilities.

How to do this:

• Ask doctors, social workers, or hospital discharge planners for recommendations.
• Talk to friends or family members who have experience with nursing homes.
• Use online tools like Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare to check facility ratings.

Why it matters:

• Helps identify high-quality facilities with positive reviews.
• Avoids facilities with a history of poor care or violations.

2.2 Verify Licensing and Accreditation

A facility’s licensing status can indicate the level of care provided.

How to do this:

• Check if the facility is Medicare and Medicaid-certified.
• Look for accreditation from The Joint Commission or CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities).
• Review state inspection reports for violations or complaints.

Why it matters:

• Ensures the facility meets federal and state health and safety standards.
• Provides peace of mind that the care is regulated and monitored.

3. Visit and Evaluate the Facility

An in-person visit provides the best sense of the environment and staff quality.

3.1 Observe Cleanliness and Safety

The overall environment can impact health and well-being.

How to do this:

• Look for clean hallways, well-maintained rooms, and fresh-smelling air.
• Check for emergency call buttons in rooms and bathrooms.
• Ask about fall prevention measures and infection control policies.

Why it matters:

• Cleanliness and safety reduce the risk of infections and accidents.
• A well-kept facility shows attention to detail and quality care.

3.2 Talk to Staff and Administrators

The professionalism and attitude of staff impact the experience of residents.

How to do this:

• Ask about staff-to-resident ratios (lower ratios often mean better care).
• Observe how staff interact with residents—are they friendly and attentive?
• Inquire about staff turnover rates, which can indicate job satisfaction and stability.

Why it matters:

• Well-trained, engaged staff lead to better care and a more positive experience.
• High staff turnover can indicate understaffing or management issues.

3.3 Observe Resident Well-being

Current residents provide clues about the quality of life in the facility.

How to do this:

• Watch if residents appear clean, engaged, and well cared for.
• Ask if they have social activities, outings, and physical therapy.
• Check meal menus to ensure nutritious food options.

Why it matters:

• Ensures your loved one will be in an engaging, caring environment.
• Avoids facilities where residents seem isolated, neglected, or unhappy.

4. Review Services and Care Plans

Different facilities offer different levels of medical and personal care.

4.1 Confirm Medical and Therapy Services

Make sure the facility offers the medical services your loved one needs.

How to do this:

• Ask if doctors, nurses, and therapists are on-site or on-call.
• Check if they provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
• Inquire about medication management and chronic disease care.

Why it matters:

• Ensures your loved one receives consistent and professional medical attention.
• Provides necessary rehabilitation services for recovery and mobility.

4.2 Ask About Social and Recreational Activities

A good nursing home offers more than just medical care—it promotes a fulfilling life.

How to do this:

• Check the activity schedule for social, religious, and recreational programs.
• Ask if residents can bring personal belongings, have visitors, or go on outings.
• See if there are outdoor spaces or communal areas for socializing.

Why it matters:

• Helps residents stay active, engaged, and mentally stimulated.
• Reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation.

5. Understand Costs and Payment Options

Nursing home care can be expensive, so it’s important to clarify financial details.

5.1 Check Insurance and Medicare/Medicaid Coverage

Not all facilities accept every type of payment.

How to do this:

• Ask if they accept Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or long-term care insurance.
• Get a detailed cost estimate, including services covered and additional fees.
• Check if financial assistance or payment plans are available.

Why it matters:

• Prevents financial surprises and ensures affordable care options.
• Helps determine if Medicaid spend-down strategies are necessary.

5.2 Understand Additional Costs

Some services may not be included in the base cost.

How to do this:

• Ask about extra fees for private rooms, special meals, or personal care.
• Check if family members can hire private caregivers if additional support is needed.
• Understand what happens if financial resources run out.

Why it matters:

• Ensures financial planning is in place for long-term care.
• Helps avoid unexpected charges or service limitations.

6. Plan for Transitions and Future Needs

A long-term plan helps prevent unnecessary moves later.

6.1 Ask About Long-Term Care Options

Some facilities offer different levels of care as needs change.

How to do this:

• Ask if the facility offers assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care in one location.
• Check policies on moving to a higher level of care if needed.
• Understand discharge procedures and reasons a resident may need to leave.

Why it matters:

• Reduces the need for future relocations if health conditions change.
• Provides stability and continuity of care.

6.2 Review Family Involvement Policies

Family involvement is key to ensuring good care.

How to do this:

• Ask if family members can visit anytime or need to schedule visits.
• Check if there are family meetings with care staff to discuss health updates.
• See if families can participate in activities or meals with residents.

Why it matters:

• Keeps family members engaged in their loved one’s care.
• Helps address concerns early before they become major issues.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a nursing home or rehab facility requires careful research and thoughtful decision-making. By evaluating medical care, facility conditions, staff, costs, and quality of life factors, you can ensure your loved one receives compassionate and professional care in a comfortable setting.