What Makes a ‘Good’ Nursing Home? 10 Points to Consider

If you are looking for a nursing home for yourself or a loved one, you want to choose a good facility. But what makes a nursing home good? Though good can be hard to define, some qualities are key to take into account.

A nursing home could be considered good if it is clean, well-staffed, offers nutritious meals, and provides high-quality care for its residents. Other practical factors, such as location and cost, are as crucial to weigh when determining if a particular facility is a suitable choice.

Finding the right long-term care facility for yourself or a loved one is a major decision. The best choice will be specific to your unique needs, preferences, and medical care requirements. Consider the following factors – and some vital resources – when searching for a nursing home.

Factors to Consider

When looking for a nursing home, here are some factors to guide your decision-making process:

1. Location and Accessibility

• Proximity to family and friends for frequent visits and outings.
• Accessibility for residents with mobility challenges, such as wheelchair access.

2. Quality of Care

• Look for state inspection reports and ratings by using Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare tool.
• Assess staff-to-resident ratios and staff credentials.
• Observe interactions between staff and residents during visits.

3. Specialized Services

• Ensure the facility offers services for specific needs, such as dementia care or rehabilitation.
• Check for access to physical therapy, occupational therapy, or mental health support.

4. Safety and Cleanliness

• Evaluate cleanliness, maintenance, and the overall environment.
• Ask about safety measures, including emergency response protocols and fall prevention.

5. Resident Life and Activities

• Inquire about social activities, events, and opportunities for engagement.
• Find out if there are spaces for recreation, dining, and outdoor access.

6. Meals and Nutrition

• Ask about meal plans, dietary accommodations, and food quality.
• Consider visiting during a meal to observe food service and presentation.

7. Costs and Insurance

• Get an understanding of the pricing structure, additional fees, and what is included in the cost.
• Check whether the facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance.

8. Resident and Family Feedback

• Speak with current residents and their families about their experiences.
• Read online reviews but be mindful of individual biases.

9. Licensing and Certification

• Confirm the facility is licensed and certified by the appropriate state and federal agencies.

10. Trial Visits

• Arrange a trial stay or multiple visits to get a sense of day-to-day operations.

Resources to Consult

You may have several long-term care facilities in your area, so choosing the right one may feel overwhelming. However, there are rating systems you can consult to help you make a more informed decision. Among them are rankings from U.S. News & World Report, which has been publishing an annual list of what it considers to be the best nursing homes in the United States since 2009. Its 2025 evaluation includes ratings of nearly 15,000 nursing homes.

Noteworthy U.S. News Findings

U.S. News found that the best nursing homes for short-term rehabilitation discharge an average of 50 percent more patients to residences, rather than long-term care facilities, compared to below-average nursing homes.

The best nursing homes for long-term care give their residents antipsychotic medications 46 percent less of the time than nursing homes that were rated as below average. Long-term residents at the best nursing homes are more than 60 percent less likely to require emergency department care than long-term residents at below-average nursing facilities.

One area U.S. News found in need of improvement is staffing. According to their findings, nearly half of U.S. nursing homes are not complying with the federal regulation to provide at least eight hours every day of registered nurse-staffing. Of the nursing homes failing to comply with the regulation, the average nursing home experienced 15 days per year of inadequate staffing.

Conversely, U.S. News found that the best nursing homes for short-term rehabilitation provide an average of 50 percent more nursing-care hours per resident than the short-term nursing facilities that ranked as below average.

For nursing homes that provide long-term care, the best ones have double the staff retention rates compared with underperforming nursing facilities.

These findings speak to the importance of assessing the staff-to-resident ratio when exploring nursing homes. Additionally, ask about the staff’s qualifications and job-related experience.

Finding the Right Nursing Home

After considering the factors above and researching various resources, start visiting nursing homes in your area. If you are looking for a nursing home or assisted living facility for yourself, take a trusted friend or family member with you to provide an objective view of the facility.

Before you sign any admission contract or agreement, consult an experienced elder law attorney near you. They can guide you through the paperwork required to become a resident in the nursing homes you are considering. If you start planning far enough in advance, they also can help you figure out potential options to pay for long-term care.

Contact a certified elder law attorney(*), such as Linda Strohschein and her team at Strohschein Law Group for assistance. To set up an appointment, contact Strohschein Law Group at 630-300-0627.

This information provided by Strohschein Law Group is general in nature and is not intended to be legal advice, nor does it constitute a legal relationship.  Please consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.

(*) The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and the CELA designation is not a requirement to practice law in Illinois.