It's important to find a location near family members who will visit. Residents who have frequent visitors tend to get the best care. So start out by making a list of all homes in the area you have decided on. Talk to relatives, friends, clergy, senior-citizens groups and disease support groups, any people likely to frequently visit nursing homes. Ask their opinions.
Recent experiences are best.
While a facility's most-recent report is helpful, do not rely on it exclusively. Homes are required to post and let you review their most recent annual inspection, called a survey. Despite this requirement, some homes balk at showing their inspections. Even for someone not now on Medicaid it is best to select a home that participates in the program unless you have virtually unlimited funds. Facilities that don't accept Medicaid can evict residents when their money or insurance runs out.