After you have had a chance to discuss local nursing homes with friends, family, doctors etc., you should then make an appointment to talk to some of the administrators and tour the facilities.  Then, it would probably be a good idea to return at various different times of the day and night to see how they function on a more informal basis.  Some of the questions that you should ask the nursing home administrator may include: 

• What are the costs?                                              
• Are there extra fees?
• Is Medicaid accepted as payment?
• How many Medicaid beds are available and what is the total amount?
• What is the usual employee-to-resident ratio?
• Are there separate areas of the nursing home for patients with dementia and Alzheimer's?
• What is the usual daily schedule?
• How many RN’s are on duty at any given time?
• What is the total census of the long-term care facility?
• What activities are usually planned for the residents?
• Is there a family and/or resident council?
• Are there usually single rooms available?
• What are the usual visiting hours?
• What personal items are residents allowed to bring with them?
• What kind of security is available at the facility?
• What is the bedhold policy?

When you meet with the nursing home administrator you should probably ask to see the three most recent state surveys (also called inspections).  Your local ombudsman may also be helpful in assisting you in attaining and understanding these documents.  These surveys will help you to understand what types of problems exist at the facility.  You should probably be leery if you see the same types of problems existing on a consistent basis year after year.  Good nursing homes will usually make improvements based upon the survey.  All nursing homes have some problems, but the purpose of the report is to identify those problems so they can be fixed.

Some information from Senior’s Rights: Your Legal Guide to Living Life to the Fullest By Brette McWhorter Sember