Making decisions about nursing home care is important and requires planning and up-to-date information. Finding the right nursing home for you or a loved one is challenging because a nursing home stay may be short or extended, but everyone needs to feel comfortable, secure and properly cared for. Most importantly, think about the health needs of the person considering nursing home care.
You can find information about nursing homes in your area by looking at Nursing Home Compare at www.medicare.gov on the Web or calling 1-800-633-4227.
Nursing Home Compare provides information about nursing homes in your area by name, address, telephone number, date of certification, size, type of ownership and services offered.Look at the nursing home's performance on 19 measures of care as a guide to the quality of care provided. New York State's most recent survey of the home is also available on the Web site.
Ask questions of doctors, social service workers, and discharge planners. Visit any facilities that you are considering.
Use the nursing home checklist on the Web site (www.medicare.gov) to narrow your choices and help you ask the right questions to make an informed decision.