How Can I Find a Quality Nursing Home for My Loved One?

Selecting a nursing home requires patience and thorough investigation. Families should visit multiple facilities, review state and federal records, and trust their instincts when something feels wrong to avoid nursing home abuse.

What Defines a Quality Nursing Home

A high-quality nursing home provides appropriate medical care, clean living conditions, and respectful treatment. Pennsylvania nursing homes must comply with state standards under 28 Pa. Code Ch. 201–211, which governs staffing, resident rights, and safety requirements. Facilities that consistently meet these standards usually show stronger inspection histories and fewer complaints.

Steps to Begin Your Search

Several reliable tools help families evaluate quality before visiting a facility.

Nursing Home Compare

Medicare’s public database provides star ratings, inspection results, staffing levels, and penalty histories.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Inspection Database

This site lists violations, substantiated complaints, and enforcement actions for licensed facilities.

Ombudsman Reports

Local long-term care ombudsmen track common concerns and advocate for residents, which gives valuable insight into recurring issues.

Online Reviews

These reviews offer family perspectives, but compare them with official inspection data for accuracy.

Factors to Consider

• Facility location and access: Consider whether family members can visit easily and participate in the resident’s care.
• Level of medical care: Determine whether your loved one needs skilled nursing, memory care, rehabilitation, or long-term custodial support.
• Staffing levels: Ask about nurse-to-resident ratios and how often staff check on residents during the day and night.
• Facility reputation: Review state inspection reports, complaint histories, and third-party quality ratings.
• Resident culture: Look for a community that encourages social interaction, activities, and personalized care.

What to Look for During a Visit

An in-person visit offers the clearest picture of daily life inside the facility. Take note of the following:

• Cleanliness and odor control: A strong smell of urine or persistent odors can indicate neglect or poor maintenance.
• Staff behavior: Watch how staff interact with residents. Look for patience, attentiveness, and respectful communication.
• Resident appearance: Well-groomed residents usually signal consistent hygiene and proper supervision.
• Meal quality: Ask to view a menu or observe mealtime. Nutritious, appealing food indicates strong dietary management.
• Safety features: Check for handrails, non-slip floors, accessible bathrooms, and working call-light systems.
• Activity programs: Engaging activities improve quality of life and reduce isolation.

Questions to Ask Administrators

Direct questions help assess transparency and accountability.

• How does the facility handle medical emergencies?
• What is the staff turnover rate?
• How does the facility prevent falls, bedsores, and infections?
• How often does the facility update families about changes in condition or care plans?
• How does the facility respond to resident complaints?

Clear, confident answers usually indicate strong management practices.

What are Warning Signs of a Problem Facility?

Some indicators suggest the facility may not provide proper care.

• Chronic understaffing or rushed staff interactions.
• Frequent complaints or recent enforcement actions.
• Poor maintenance or unclean living spaces.
• High turnover among administrators or nursing staff.
• Residents who appear withdrawn, unkempt, or unattended.

Pennsylvania law protects residents from neglect and abuse, and families have the right to raise concerns and request improvements.