Gathering Information Check your yellow pages to find out the locations of nursing homes in your area. Finding out about these nursing homes is the next step. Word of mouth can be a good source of information. Ask your friends and neighbors if they know people who have stayed in local nursing homes. One source of information is your local long-term care ombudsman.
Ombudsmen visit nursing homes on a regular basis.
Their job is to investigate complaints, advocate for residents, and mediate disputes. Ombudsmen often have knowledge about the quality of life and care inside each nursing home in their area that may not be available from other sources. However, Ombudsmen are not allowed to recommend one nursing home over another. Other resources that you should consult before choosing a nursing home include hospital discharge planners or social workers, physicians who serve the elderly, clergy and religious organizations, volunteer groups that work with the elderly and chronically ill, and nursing home professional associations. Other factors to consider include religious and cultural preferences, Medicare and Medicaid participation, HMO contracts, special care needs, and location.