You should first talk to your doctor, or, if you’re looking for a good nursing home for your loved one, talk to their doctor.
You should also ask family members and friends for recommendations. Word of mouth is always a good source of information.
If you live in Pennsylvania, you can call your local Administration on Aging.
There are also hundreds of Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs nationwide where you can get information. In Pennsylvania, the Ombudsman program is run through the Department of Aging. You can reach the department at 717-783-7247.
Sources: Service Employees International Union Report (1999); Health Care Financing Administration’s Online Survey, Certification and Reporting Data (March 2000); HCFA’s National Restraint Reduction Newsletter (Summer 2000); Philadelphia Enquirer, Report Criticizes State over Nursing Homes (March 11, 1998).