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1. Finding a Good Nursing Home in Massachusetts

NEXT: "Page 2 - Assuring Good Care."

The right Nursing Home for your loved one is the best overall fit between resident and environment. The proper balance of comfort, practicality, compassion, and sacrifice requires thorough research and careful consideration. It can be helpful to share information with all involved family members in order to reach a more beneficial (and lasting) group accord.

Here are some steps that will help you evaluate and select an appropriate nursing home setting.

select a location
  1. Select an acceptable geographic location

    This crucial first step considers the comfort level of the resident as well as travel requirements for visiting family and friends.

    arrow.blue (<1K)Click here to find a listing of nursing homes in Massachusetts.

  2. Check the ratings of the nursing homes in your preferred location

    Many nursing homes undergo changes in ownership and personnel. What may have been well respected facility in the past, may no longer be as well run, and vice versa. The ratings by governmental oversight agencies are the best indicators of current performance.

    Because the vast majority of nursing homes accept payment from the federal Medicare program and/or the state MassHealth (Medicaid) program, they are regularly subjected to investigative check nursing home ratings processes to assess their performance and to maintain their Medicare and Medicaid certifications.

    To review the current standings of the nursing homes you are actively considering, go to:

    • Nursing Home Ratings by Massachusetts Government
      (This site compares specific nursing home evaluation scores against state-wide averages in a variety of important categories. Provided by the Division of Health Care Quality, an agency of the Department of Public Health of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts)
    • Nursing Home Ratings by the Federal Government
      (The Nursing Home Compare site, compiled by Medicare, lets you search by city or town for facilities in your area. The site then compares each facility's ratings in a number of categories with both state-wide and national facilities. You should check the Inspection Results and Resident Characteristics sections in particular.)

    Note: Although nursing homes that only accept private payment are rare, there may be some in your area. These will NOT appear in either of the rating services.

    3. make a personal visit
  3. Make a personal visit to each facility under consideration

    You will want to make a thorough investigation of each facility. You will want to ask questions about: the facility and accommodations, medical services, cleanliness, safety, staff qualifications, activities, meals, visiting hours, and payment policies.

    To help you with these questions, print out our Nursing Home Facility Checklist and take it with you on each of your visits. Jot down your observations and the answers provided by the staff. Then compare the answers. (You might want to determine your priorities on the checklist in advance, to make sure that these are fully explained during your visit.)

  4. Seek professional guidance in making your selection

    If you feel overwhelmed by the process, either emotionally or because you do not feel you have enough time to devote to the process, or if you feel underqualified to make the best selection, consider getting someone to help you. The fields of elder law and geriatric case management have grown to meet the needs of persons responsible to locate appropriate home care, adult day care, assisted living or nursing home care. These professionals are experienced not only with the issues involved, but are knowledgeable about the capabilities of local facilities.

    seek professional guidance

    arrow.blue (<1K)Locate a Certified Elder Law Attorney.
    arrow.blue (<1K)Find a Geriatric Care Manager in New England.
    (New England Chapter of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers)
    arrow.blue (<1K)Find a Geriatric Care Manager
    (National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers)



    5. arrow.blue (<1K)Contact our sponsor.

NEXT: "Page 2 - Assuring Good Care."

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Copyright 2001-2006, Attorney Brian E. Barreira - 508-747-8282 - serving Plymouth, Hingham and surrounding counties. Site by RW Mullaney Consulting.

Site provided by a Certified Elder Law Attorney (1K) This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Persons accessing this site are encouraged to seek independent counsel for advice regarding their individual legal issues.
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