If the general atmosphere of the care home seems depressing or fearful, you might consider looking elsewhere even if official ratings are good and there have been no major complaints. Conversely, if you get a good feeling when you are around the staff, question the administrator if the Medicare Nursing Home Guide or another resource shows less than desirable ratings for the home. There may be a good explanation for a slip in numbers at a particular time.

In the end, it’s about balance. You want a facility that is clean, safe, serves good food and is medically sound. However, you also want one where the caregivers enjoy the care receivers and each other. That is the intangible factor. That’s where you need to trust your instinct and listen to your gut.

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