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Choosing a Nursing Home: 12-Question Checklist
Touring a facility soon? Print this checklist and bring it with you. These are the questions that actually reveal quality of care.
May 8, 2026
Before you visit
- Is the facility Medicare and Medicaid certified? Both certifications mean the facility meets federal quality standards.
- What is the most recent CMS star rating? Look it up at medicare.gov/care-compare.
During the tour
- Walk in unannounced if you can. Does it smell clean? Are residents up and engaged?
- What is the nurse-to-resident ratio on each shift?
- How long has the Director of Nursing been here? High turnover at the top is a red flag.
- Can I see a typical resident room? Not just the model.
- What does a sample weekly menu look like? Ask to see the actual menu, not a description.
- What activities happen on weekends and evenings?
About care
- How are care plans updated, and is family included?
- What is your protocol when a resident has a sudden change in condition?
- How do you handle pain management for residents who cannot communicate?
About cost
- What is the all-in daily rate, and what is NOT included? (Common extras: hair salon, cable TV, personal laundry, certain therapies.)
Trust your gut
If the staff smile at residents by name, if residents look well-groomed, and if you feel welcomed instead of rushed — that tells you more than any brochure ever will.
When you are ready, schedule a tour and bring this list.
Have questions about your situation?
Our admissions team is happy to talk it through — no pressure.