How to Choose the Right Long-Term Care Facility

Written By Paula Mueller

Choosing the Right Care Starts with the Right Information

Finding the right long-term care facility for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming. Every family wants a safe, supportive environment where residents are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. With so many options available, knowing what to look for and what questions to ask can make the decision much easier.

This guide outlines the key factors to consider before choosing a nursing home or long-term care community.

Why This Decision Matters

A long-term care facility becomes more than just a place to live—it becomes home. The quality of care, communication, and daily support directly affects a resident's health, happiness, and overall quality of life.

Taking the time to research your options can help prevent future problems and provide peace of mind for the entire family.

First Things First

  • Go to https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/long-term-care-quality-navigator/home and https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/ to get basic information on Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, and Hospice. You will find something on one or all of these on each site. The Ohio Navigator has a globe on the faciity page that says CMS, that will take you directly there. CMS is where you will find star ratings, surveys and any citations there may be. Remeber, it’s hard to give 5 star service, if you only have 2 Star in staffing! Watch for self-reported information as well.

  • Check reviews on Facebook, Google, Trustpilot, and employee websites to see what others are saying. Ask for current reviews on your Facebook Page.

  • Not only do a scheduled visit, but also do a pop-in visit, preferably in the evening, as the day shift usually has the most staff.

What to Look for During Your Visit

When touring a facility, pay attention to both the environment and the people.

Look for:

  • Not only do a scheduled visit, but also do a pop-in visit, preferably in the evening, as the day shift usually has the most staff.

  • Clean and well-maintained resident rooms and common areas.

  • Friendly, respectful, and attentive staff.

  • Residents who appear comfortable and engaged.

  • Activities that encourage social interaction and independence.

  • Safe walkways, handrails, and emergency procedures.

  • Nutritious meal options and accommodations for special dietary needs.

Don't hesitate to visit more than once or at different times of the day to get a better understanding of daily life in the community.

Questions Every Family Should Ask

Before making a decision, ask questions such as:

  • What services are included?

  • When is the first care plan scheduled and are they held every three months?

  • What is the staff-to-resident ratio?

  • What activities and social programs are offered?

  • How are concerns or complaints addressed, what is their grievance process?

  • Is it a single room or shared room, what are their policies on moving a residnets room.

  • Ask if they provide haircuts, podiatrist services, and routine blood work on a regular basis.

  • Ask if they have a camera policy and request a copy of it.

  • Ask if they have an established Family Council.

A quality facility should welcome these questions and provide clear, transparent answers.

Understanding Resident Rights

Every resident has important rights that should always be respected.

These include:

  • The right to dignity and respect.

  • The right to participate in care decisions.

  • The right to privacy.

  • The right to receive appropriate medical care.

  • The right to voice concerns without fear of retaliation.

  • Protection from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

  • Not be required to sign an arbitration with admission papers. We strongly recommend reading over what your signing and not to sign any arbitration form.

  • The right to see any medical records within 24 hours of request, to have printed copies of medical records within 48 hours (not including hoidays or weekends).The right to see all medical records including MARS (Mediction Administration Record). Which is not just a medication list of what can be given, this is a comprehensive list of what medication was given, dosage, time, by whom. You can also request care plan meeeting records, orders, labs, or any medical information they hold. This is especially helpful if there is a sudden decline or change of status of a resident to look for information that may explain the change(s).

Knowing these rights helps families advocate effectively for their loved ones. For help with any issues, your sources for help and support are the Ohio Long Term Care Ombudsman https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/ombudsman and also Elderly Advocates at https://www.elderlyadvocates.org/contact-us

Warning Signs to Watch For

While visiting or after admission, pay attention to potential warning signs, including:

  • Poor cleanliness or unpleasant odors.

  • Residents appearing neglected or withdrawn.

  • Staff members who seem rushed or unwilling to answer questions.

  • Frequent unanswered call lights.

  • High staff turnover.

  • Poor communication with families.

If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and continue asking questions.

How Elderly Advocates Can Help

At Elderly Advocates, we understand that navigating long-term care can be confusing. Our mission is to educate, advocate, and empower families by providing reliable information and resources.

Whether you're choosing a facility, learning about resident rights, or seeking guidance on long-term care issues, we're here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.

Paula Mueller