Choosing a nursing home for yourself or a loved one is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Beyond finding a facility that provides quality medical care, you’re choosing a place where someone will spend their days, build relationships, and feel at home.
The process can feel overwhelming, but asking the right questions—and knowing what to look for—can help you make a confident decision.
For many families, location is one of the first considerations.
A nursing home that’s close to family and friends makes regular visits easier, helping residents stay connected to the people who matter most. Frequent visits can also help family members stay involved in their loved one’s care and notice changes over time.
If your loved one has a strong support network nearby, staying close to home may improve both emotional well-being and quality of life.
Not every nursing home feels the same.
Some people enjoy larger communities with more activities and opportunities to socialize. Others feel more comfortable in a smaller, quieter setting where it’s easier to get to know staff and fellow residents.
Think about your loved one’s personality.
There isn’t a right or wrong answer—only the best fit for the individual.
The people providing care often make the biggest difference.
During your visit, spend time simply watching how staff interact with residents. Ask yourself:
You can often learn more by observing everyday interactions than by listening to a presentation.
Adequate staffing is essential for quality care.
Staff shortages continue to affect many nursing homes across the country, making it important to ask how the facility maintains safe staffing levels.
Questions to ask include:
Consistent staffing helps residents build trust and familiarity with their caregivers.
A quality nursing home should respect each resident’s privacy and encourage independence whenever possible.
As you tour, notice whether staff:
These small interactions often reflect the culture of the facility.
Meals are about more than nutrition—they’re an important part of daily life.
Ask:
If possible, visit during mealtime to observe the dining experience.
Every nursing home is inspected regularly.
Reviewing inspection reports can help you understand whether the facility has recurring issues or has consistently met state requirements.
You can also ask the administrator how concerns identified during inspections have been addressed.
One of the best sources of information is the people who live there.
If appropriate, ask residents or visiting family members about their experiences.
Questions might include:
Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable insight.
If you have concerns about the quality of care at a licensed nursing home, home for the aged, or adult foster care home, Michigan’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program can help.
Ombudsmen advocate for residents, help resolve concerns, explain residents’ rights, and work with facilities to improve care.
If you’re unsure where to start, AgeWays can connect you with your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman and other resources to help you make informed decisions.
No nursing home is perfect, but asking thoughtful questions and taking time to observe the environment can help you find the right fit.
Remember that you’re evaluating more than a building—you are looking for a community where your loved one will be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect every day.
If you’d like help understanding long-term care options or finding resources in southeast Michigan, the AgeWays Information & Assistance Resource Center is here to help. Call 800-852-7795 or visit AgeWays.org.
