My mother needs to move into a nursing home, but I don't even know where to start. How can I find a good place for her?

Please review the Medicare web site to look for State Board of Health ratings. Visit the facilities on off times when they would not expect you. Speak to some resident families and see how they like the place. Ask what the "staffing ratios" are per patient. Facilities are noted for the CNA's to be overstaffed, therefore a lot of time is not allowed for patient time.
Make sure the facility is not on the government watch list, review State Board flags for your area as well. Request a copy of admission paperwork and review before signing!
http://www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/Include/DataSection/questions/SearchCriteriaNEW.asp?version=default&browser=IE%7C8%7CWinXP&language=English&defaultstatus=0&pagelist=Home&CookiesEnabledStatus=True

WWW.MEDICARE.GOV


Hope some of these things help. Best Wishes, Bridget Wetterer