When the time comes to look for long-term care options for a loved one, take plenty of time to research nursing homes, and plan to visit several. Each nursing home is unique, with its own personality and atmosphere. IHCA, and Families Unite, can provide you with the tools you need to find a home that is right for your loved one.

Today's nursing homes are typically full-service care providers for people of all ages. Nursing homes are staffed and equipped to provide care for people needing short-term care while they recover from a medical situation, as well as for people requiring long-term care.

Choosing a nursing home for a parent, a spouse, a sibling, or even a child can be very stressful. The task can seem overwhelming, but equipped with the necessary information, the pressures often felt by family members can be alleviated.

Plan ahead
The best way to ease the emotional distress of selecting a nursing home is to plan ahead. Beginning the process early not only reduces stress, but also give your loved one a little more time to prepare for the transition into his or her new home.

Involve your loved one
Make the selection process a group effort and involve your love one as much as possible. In essence, you are selecting his or her new home, so if your loved one is capable of participating in the process, it is essential that his or her wishes be considered every step of the way.

Do background research
To begin the process, you may want to review state inspection reports and promotional literature of the nursing homes you are interested in. Call each facility and request as much information as possible to help you in your decision process.

Each nursing home is required by law to post its last state survey record for public viewing. Ask the administrator to explain the survey results to you if you need further clarification.

Schedule a personal visit
The most valuable thing you can do it so personally visit nursing homes with your loved one. Each home has its own personality and philosophy about patient care. Touring the facilities and talking with residents and staff will give you a good sense about eh atmosphere of the home.

Complete a checklist for each facility
Included on this page is a link to a checklist - or guidelines to follow and questions to ask when evaluating the nursing homes you visit. Use these checklists to record your impressions and your loved one's impressions of each place you visit.