Nursing home neglect and abuse is frequently in the news these days. Although most nursing home facilities try hard to provide a good experience for their residents, the quality of care differs greatly between nursing homes.

When the time comes to choose a nursing home for a member of your family, it is wise to perform extensive research about local nursing home facilities to be sure your loved one receives the best care and respect available. This effort will take considerable time and effort on your part but your extensive planning is the least you can do for your loved one.

Obviously, you will want to visit the nursing homes, talk with the administrators and thoroughly do a visual inspection of the facility. Do not be easily impressed by fancy furniture and smooth talking nursing home administrators. Their job is to fill the rooms. Your job is to protect your loved one.

Try to visit with a resident of each nursing home you consider. Does the resident seem happy and positive? Do they wear a smile or a frown? Talk with the residents who are wheelchair bound. Are they well groomed? Are most of the people in the halls able to communicate with you? If their demeanor is slow and foggy you might wonder if they are over-medicated.

Ask many questions of the people in charge. Find out exactly what is offered by the nursing home facility. Is the nursing home staff experienced? What is the longevity of the staff? Are the residents encouraged to leave their rooms and get regular exercise? Who makes decisions if a residents health declines? What hospital would be used for an emergency?

Visit the nursing homes at different times of the day. Observe what the residents are served at meals. Does the staff treat all residents with respect?

Is the nursing home clean? Remember that a beautiful lawn and a sharp looking building does not necessarily reflect the quality of indoor housekeeping.

Ask your family doctor to recommend a nursing home or to refer you to someone he or she knows who has experience with a nursing home.

Do you have friends who have a parent already in a nursing home? This simple idea could be your best bet.

Use the internet. Do a search for nursing home ratings and you will turn up a wealth of good information. For example, ElderWeb.com, http://www.elderweb.com , has done extensive research to help the elderly.

Check with your local hospital discharge representatives. Their jobs often involve contact with nursing homes. Be sure to obtain the inspection reports from your state agency.

After you choose a nursing home for your loved one you will enjoy a feeling of great satisfaction that you did your best to help your loved one.