Choosing a nursing home is a big decision, and families often need to make it quickly, sometimes right after a hospital stay. This guide gives Baltimore families a clear, practical way to compare options and find a place that feels right.
Quick takeaways
- Start by being clear on the care your loved one needs, whether short-term rehab, long-term care or both.
- Visit in person, more than once if you can, and pay attention to how staff and residents interact.
- Bring a list of questions about care, therapy, staffing, activities, meals and communication.
- Check quality information on Medicare’s Care Compare and Maryland’s public reports.
Start with your loved one’s needs
Think about the kind of care needed now and in the near future:
- Short-term rehab after surgery or illness. See what is subacute rehab?
- Long-term care for ongoing daily support. See what is long-term care?
- Specific medical needs, such as wound care, IV therapy or management of a chronic condition
Location matters too. A facility close to family makes frequent visits easier, which is good for everyone.
Check quality information
Before you visit, look up each facility online:
- Medicare Care Compare shows star ratings for health inspections, staffing and quality measures, along with inspection reports.
- The Maryland Health Care Commission publishes quality information for Maryland nursing homes.
- Online reviews can add perspective from families.
Ratings are a helpful starting point, but nothing replaces seeing a place for yourself.
Questions to ask on a tour
Care and therapy
- How is a care plan created, and how often is it reviewed with the family?
- What therapy services are available, and how often?
- How are doctors involved, and what happens if a medical need comes up at night?
Staff and communication
- Who will be our main point of contact?
- How do staff keep families updated?
- How long have members of the care team worked here?
Daily life
- What does a typical day look like?
- What activities are offered, and how are residents encouraged to join in?
- How are meals planned, and can special diets be accommodated?
- What are the visiting guidelines?
Admissions and coverage
- Which insurance plans do you accept, including Medicare and Maryland Medicaid?
- Can you help us with paperwork and applications?
For background on coverage, see our guides to Medicare and Maryland Medicaid.
Pay attention to how you feel when you walk in. Warmth and respect are easy to see.
What to look for during your visit
- Clean, bright, well-kept common areas and rooms
- Residents who look comfortable, engaged and well cared for
- Staff who greet residents by name and speak to them with kindness
- Leaders who welcome your questions and answer them openly
- Outdoor spaces and areas for families to visit
If you can, visit a second time at a different time of day, such as during lunch or an afternoon activity.
Making the decision
Compare your notes, involve your loved one as much as possible and trust what you saw and felt. Our guide to Baltimore senior and caregiver resources lists local organizations that can also help.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a good nursing home?
Start with your loved one’s care needs, then visit a few facilities, ask questions about care and staffing, talk with residents and families if possible, and check quality ratings online.
What questions should I ask when touring a nursing home?
Ask how care plans are created, how often therapy is available, how staff communicate with families, what a typical day looks like, how meals and activities work and how they handle medical needs after hours.
Where can I find nursing home ratings in Maryland?
Medicare’s Care Compare website shows star ratings and inspection results for nursing homes nationwide. The Maryland Health Care Commission also publishes quality information for Maryland facilities.
What should I look for when visiting a nursing home?
Look for clean, well-kept spaces, residents who appear engaged and comfortable, staff who are warm and attentive, and leaders who answer questions openly.
Should I visit a nursing home more than once?
If you can, yes. A second visit at a different time of day, such as during a meal or an activity, gives a fuller picture of daily life.
This article is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Coverage rules can change, so confirm details with Medicare, your plan or your care team.
