What questions to ask at a nursing home?

Oct 30, 2025 4 min read •

Aging senior care Nursing Home

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, there are over 15,000 certified nursing homes in the United States. To navigate this crucial choice and select a facility that provides the highest standard of care, it is vital to know what questions to ask at a nursing home.

Quick Summary

To find the best nursing home, prepare a list of inquiries covering resident care protocols, staff training, facility safety measures, and resident-to-staff ratios. Prioritize questions on daily life, health services, costs, and emotional support to make an informed decision.

Key Points

Medical Care and Staffing: Crucial questions cover resident-to-staff ratios, medical protocols, and staff training to ensure high-quality clinical care.
Resident Life and Activities: Beyond clinical care, focus on social engagement, meal options, and daily activities to ensure a high quality of life.
Financial Transparency: Ask detailed questions about monthly fees, extra costs, and insurance coverage to fully understand the financial commitment.
Facility and Safety Evaluation: Inspect the facility's cleanliness, safety measures, and complaint resolution process to ensure a secure and well-maintained environment.
Leverage External Resources: Use the Medicare.gov Nursing Home Compare tool to access objective data on facilities, including inspection results and staffing levels.

Your Comprehensive Checklist for Evaluating Nursing Homes

When the time comes to find a suitable nursing home, the process can feel overwhelming. It’s a decision that deeply impacts a loved one's health, happiness, and well-being. Going into a visit unprepared can lead to missing crucial details that could make all the difference. This comprehensive guide helps you assemble a robust checklist covering everything from medical care to daily activities, so you know what questions to ask at a nursing home.

Questions About Clinical Care and Staffing

The quality of medical care is a top priority. The competence and compassion of the staff, as well as the facility's medical protocols, are central to a resident's quality of life. Start by focusing on these essential areas during your visit.

Medical Staffing Questions:
- What is the resident-to-staff ratio during the day, evening, and night shifts?
- What is the staff turnover rate? High turnover can indicate problems.
- How does the facility handle specialized medical needs, such as a resident with dementia, diabetes, or a feeding tube?
- Is there a registered nurse (RN) on staff 24/7?
- What is the process for communicating with family members about a resident’s health status?
Emergency and Safety Questions:
- What are the protocols for medical emergencies?
- How often are staff trained on emergency procedures, such as fire safety?
- Is there a doctor available on-call 24 hours a day?
Medication and Therapy Questions:
- How is medication administered and tracked?
- What types of physical, occupational, and speech therapy are available on-site?
- Is there a system to prevent medication errors?

Inquiring About Resident Life and Activities

A nursing home should be a vibrant community, not just a place for medical care. A strong social and engaging environment is critical for mental and emotional health. These questions will help you gauge the overall atmosphere.

Daily Life Questions:
- What is a typical daily schedule for residents?
- What are the meal options? Are special dietary needs accommodated?
- Are residents allowed to personalize their living space with their own furniture and decorations?
- What are the visiting hours and policies?
Social and Recreational Questions:
- What kinds of activities and social events are offered?
- How does the facility encourage residents to engage with one another?
- Is there an activities director? If so, what is their background?
- Is there a resident council? If so, can family members attend meetings?

Understanding Costs and Financials

One of the most complex aspects of choosing a nursing home is navigating the financial side. It is essential to get a clear and complete picture of all potential costs to avoid surprises.

Financial Questions:
- What is included in the monthly fee?
- What services are considered extra and come with an additional charge?
- Does the facility accept Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance programs?
- What happens if a resident's financial situation changes?
- Are there additional fees for things like personal care items, transportation, or specialized therapies?

Evaluating the Facility and Safety Measures

Observing the physical environment provides significant insight into the quality of the facility. Look beyond the initial tour and pay attention to smaller details that reveal a lot about the standard of care.

Facility Questions:
- Is the facility clean and well-maintained? Are there any unpleasant odors?
- Are the common areas accessible and comfortable for residents?
- What is the process for handling resident complaints?
- How does the facility address potential hazards and safety concerns?
- Is there a secure area for residents who may wander?

Comparing Facilities: A Quick Guide

To help organize your thoughts and visits, use a table to compare different options side-by-side. This ensures you're comparing apples to apples across the board.


Feature	Nursing Home A	Nursing Home B	Nursing Home C
Resident-to-Staff Ratio
RN on Duty 24/7
Cost per Month
Activities Offered
Cleanliness Score
Turnover Rate

The Final Steps: Making Your Choice

Once you have a clearer picture of your top choices, it's time for deeper research. Don't be afraid to ask for references from current residents and their families. Furthermore, you should consult official government resources. The Medicare.gov website offers a powerful tool called 'Nursing Home Compare' that allows you to research facilities and view their inspection results, staffing data, and other vital information. This provides an objective, external perspective on a facility's performance.

Conclusion

Asking the right questions is the most powerful tool you have when selecting a nursing home. By going into each visit with a comprehensive checklist, you empower yourself to make an informed, confident decision. The time you invest in thorough research will ultimately pay dividends in the comfort, safety, and happiness of your loved one, ensuring they receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Begin by assessing your loved one's medical needs and preferences. Use online tools like Medicare.gov to research local facilities, then narrow down your list for in-person visits where you can use your checklist of what questions to ask at a nursing home.

While there's no single perfect number, a lower resident-to-staff ratio is generally better. During your visits, ask about specific ratios during different shifts, including nights and weekends, to get a complete picture of staffing levels.

Yes, high staff turnover can be a red flag. It may indicate a poor working environment, which can lead to inconsistent care for residents. Ask about the facility's turnover rate and what they do to retain staff.

Look for signs of resident engagement and happiness. Observe interactions between staff and residents. Is the staff attentive and kind? Are residents engaged in activities? Trust your gut feeling, but also gather objective data by asking your planned questions.

If you encounter vague answers, consider it a warning sign. Press for specific details, and don't be afraid to cross a facility off your list if they aren't transparent. A reputable facility will be happy to provide clear and detailed answers to all your questions.

Both are valuable. A scheduled tour allows you to have a dedicated guide to answer your prepared questions. A surprise visit can show you what the facility is like on a typical day, without special preparations. Consider doing both for a comprehensive view.

Prioritize questions about what is and isn't covered in the basic rate, potential for hidden fees for services like laundry or transportation, and how the facility handles changes in payment methods or financial circumstances.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.