Nursing homes by state

What is a nursing home?

A nursing home (skilled nursing facility) gives 24-hour nursing care and help with daily activities. Some people stay for a short time to recover after a hospital stay (rehabilitation); others live there long term. The homes listed here are certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid and inspected by the state.

How Medicare rates them

Medicare gives most nursing homes an overall rating from 1 to 5 stars, built from three parts: health inspections (compared with other homes in the same state), staffing (nurse and aide hours per resident, staff turnover) and quality measures (how residents do, for example falls, pressure sores and returns to the hospital). Medicare also marks homes cited for abuse and lists fines and payment denials. Ratings are one piece of information: call, visit, and talk with your doctor about what matters for your care.

What to ask when you call or visit

• Is the home certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid, and does it have a bed for the care you need (short-term rehab or long-term care)?
• Can you see the latest state inspection report? Ask how any problems found were fixed.
• How many nurses and aides work on each shift, at night and on weekends? Is there a registered nurse on site at all times?
• Which doctors see residents, and how often? What happens in a medical emergency, and which hospital is used?
• What therapy (physical, occupational, speech) is offered, and how many days a week?
• Are residents clean, dressed and taking part in activities? Do staff speak to them kindly and answer call lights quickly?
• What do the daily rate and extra services cost, and what do Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance pay? Ask for it in writing.
• Is there a resident council and a family council? How are complaints handled? Ask for the long-term care ombudsman’s contact.
• Are meals appetizing, and can the home meet special diets, language needs and religious or cultural preferences?
• Visit more than once, including at a mealtime or in the evening, without an appointment.

In a medical emergency, call 911.