Getting Started With Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare Web Site

Getting information about the quality of nursing homes is easy. First, know what services you (or your loved one) will need.

Then:
Go to www.medicare.gov
Select Nursing Home Compare
Follow the step-by-step instructions on the Web site to find information about nursing homes in your area.

Sometimes, decisions about nursing home care must be made quickly and there may not be many nursing homes to choose from. Some nursing homes may not have space for new residents. Even when a person doesn’t have many choices, families and friends can use the information on Nursing Home Compare to monitor their loved one’s care and talk about questions or concerns with nursing home staff.

When You Call or Visit A Nursing Home

Visiting a nursing home several times can help you make decision. It is important to talk with residents of the nursing home and their family members. Use this short checklist to help you decide whether the care meets your needs. Medicare’s Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home at Nursing Home Compare (under the Resources, Publications tab) offers an expanded checklist.

• Does the nursing home accept Medicare and Medicaid?
• Ask to see the nursing home's last annual state inspection report. Did the report find any problems? Ask how the problems were fixed.
• Does the nursing home have an active resident and/or family council?
• Use your five senses. Is the home clean and free of odors?
• Does the staff treat residents with respect?
• Is there information posted on how to reach the ombudsman?
• Do the residents have the same staff on a daily basis?
•  Is there enough staff available to assist residents?
•  Does the staff respond quickly to residents' call for help?

This material was prepared by Qualis Health under a contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy. 7SOW-AK-NH-04-15 (QH-0870-01 05/04)