Nursing Homes and Other Care Options

Finding a nursing home for a parent or loved one can be one of the hardest decisions in life. There are so many things to consider. How much will it cost? How did it do on its last inspection? Has anyone lodged a complaint against it? Most important of all, will your loved one receive good care there?

Planning can make the process easier. For example, try to visit at least three homes so you can make comparisons. Visits allow you to view the care yourself. If possible, ask the loved one who will be living in the nursing home and other family members to visit the nursing homes with you.

It's also important to remember that homes provide different levels of care depending upon a person's needs and illness. For instance, someone unable to bathe, dress or walk may need the high level of care offered in a skilled nursing home, whereas someone who fears falling and living alone may only need the minimal assistance offered in a residential care home.

The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) provides the links below to guide you in the selection process. For instance, you'll learn the right questions to ask by clicking on "How to Select a Nursing Home." You can also learn how many residents, staff and deficiencies a home has, or if it participates in Medicare or Medicaid by clicking on "Nursing Home Compare." "Show-Me Long-Term Care" lets you view inspection results for Missouri's licensed facilities, but you'll need the home's name, zip code, or county to get started.

Finally, a person may be able to receive care and services in his or her own home rather than in a nursing home setting. The "Care Choices" link below lets you explore the alternatives.

How to Select a Nursing Home
The first step in choosing a nursing home is asking the right questions.

Nursing Home Compare
Compare nursing homes that participate in the federal Medicare or Medicaid program.

Show-Me Long-Term Care
Locate a Missouri licensed long-term care facility and view inspection results by name, county, city, or zip code.

Complaints
If you have a complaint about a nursing home or suspect a person in a long-term care facility is being abused or neglected, call DHSS' Elder Abuse and Neglect Hotline, 1-800-392-0210. DHSS may begin a complaint investigation because of your call. Our surveyors may visit a facility at any time to investigate a complaint.

Care Choices
There are alternatives to nursing home care, such as In-Home Services and Home Care.

Licensing & Certification
What are the rules for long-term care facility licensing and certification? Directories for long-term care facilities, Alzheimer's special care units, and Adult Day Care programs are also provided.

Nursing Home Employee Training
Information about the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Certified Medication Technician (CMT) or Insulin Administration Program. Verify CNA, CMT or Insulin Administration Certification Status. Check Instructor/Examiner or Clinical Supervisor Status.

Provider Information