In the Suburban Journals article “How to Select a Nursing Home,” author Eric Becker provides a useful “Quick Guide”:

Quick guide

1. Determine what level of care is needed. An individual that is relatively independent may not need a nursing home, but other service, such as an in-home assistant.

2. Research state and federal inspection reports and Medicare 5-star ratings for facilities you are considering.

3. Visit multiple homes. Be sure to speak with family members of residents, the director of nursing, and have the director of nursing address violations of regulations cited in inspection reports.

4. Take a friend or someone else who is not emotionally attached to the individual who needs assistance. He or she may provide a different perspective on each nursing home you visit.