Nursing homes serve different needs, and it’s important to look at how nursing homes in your area perform in the services that matter to you. Nursing home care usually is divided into short-term and long-term stays. Short-term stay: Some people stay in a nursing home just long enough to get better after a serious illness or injury, typically after they have been in a hospital or rehabilitation center. They might work with therapists to regain strength and independence before going home. Short-term stays usually are less than 100 days long. These residents are expected to get better and go home. Long-term stay: Nursing homes provide housing, meals, help with daily tasks such as dressing or bathing, and access to nursing and other care around the clock. People in long-term care often have different levels of need for care. For example, they may have different needs in terms of moving around. Some walk on their own; others only with a cane or walker; some must use a wheelchair. They generally stay longer than 100 days, and indeed most long-stay residents remain in a nursing home for the rest of their lives. Some nursing homes focus on short-term or long-term care, and some excel at both. Since the needs of short-term and long-term residents are quite different, there are some quality ratings just for one category or another. You can find ratings that help you make choices about which nursing homes are the best at the type of care you are looking for. For more information about nursing homes, visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services web site,Nursing Home Compare.

What do I do if I have concerns about nursing home quality?

Each state has a State Survey Agency that regulates all nursing homes in the state. Anyone who is concerned about the care of a nursing home resident may file a complaint. For information about how to contact your state’s agency, visit Nursing Home Compare.