---
title: "How to choose a nursing home: questions to ask"
description: "A printable list of questions to ask on a nursing home tour: staffing, care plans, inspections, therapy, costs and Medicaid, plus what to check first."
url: https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/nursing-home/
updated: 2026-10-10
site: Senior Choice Care
---

Printable checklist

# How to choose a nursing home: the questions to ask

Check the record first, then go see the place. These questions help you get past the tour script.

**2 minute read** Updated October 9, 2026Written by the Senior Choice Care team

In short

To choose a nursing home, check its ratings and inspections on Care Compare, then visit and ask about staffing, who cares for residents at night, how care plans are made, therapy, how families are kept informed, costs and Medicaid. Medicare's guide suggests talking to residents and families during the visit.

**Written by the Senior Choice Care team** Updated October 9, 2026. Facts are checked against the sources listed at the end of this page. General information; every family is different.

### Questions to ask a nursing home

1. Are you Medicare- and Medicaid-certified? Do you have a bed now?
2. How many nurses and aides work each shift, including nights and weekends?
3. How much do you rely on agency staff?
4. How are care plans made, and can family attend the meetings?
5. What therapy is available, and how often?
6. How do you prevent falls and pressure sores?
7. How will you tell us about a change in health?
8. What is included in the daily rate, and what costs extra?
9. If my parent's money runs out, can they stay on Medicaid?
10. Can I see your most recent inspection results?

## Before and after the visit

- Look up the home on Care Compare first
- Ask to see the posted survey results; federal rules require them to be available
- Talk to residents and visitors if you can

## Questions families ask

### What is the most important question to ask a nursing home?

Staffing on each shift, especially nights and weekends, is a good start.

### Can I see a nursing home's inspection results?

Yes. They must be posted, and earlier reports provided on request.

### Should I ask about Medicaid?

Yes. Ask whether your parent can stay if they move to Medicaid later.

### Where can I compare nursing homes?

On Medicare's Care Compare.

## Sources

- [Medicare: Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home (02174)](https://www.medicare.gov/publications/02174-your-guide-to-choosing-a-nursing-home)
- [National Institute on Aging: How to choose a nursing home or other long-term care facility](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/assisted-living-and-nursing-homes/how-choose-nursing-home-or-other-long-term-care-facility)
- [Medicare.gov Care Compare: nursing homes, home health agencies, hospice and more](https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/)
- [42 CFR 483.10: Resident rights, including access to survey results](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-G/part-483/subpart-B/section-483.10)

## Read next

- [Questions to ask](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/)
- [Nursing Home Compare](https://seniorchoicecare.com/check-a-provider/nursing-home-compare/)
- [Nursing home inspections](https://seniorchoicecare.com/check-a-provider/nursing-home-inspection-reports/)
- [Provider scorecard](https://seniorchoicecare.com/check-a-provider/provider-scorecard/)
- [Assisted living contract questions](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/assisted-living-contract/)
- [Dementia doctor questions](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/doctor-about-dementia/)
- [Home health questions](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/home-health-agency/)
- [Questions for a hospice](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/hospice/)

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