Whether you are selecting a skilled nursing facility for a short-term stay such as respite
orrehabilitation, or for long-term stay, the process can be overwhelming. Knowing
where to begin and following a few guidelines will help set you on the right path
and narrow your choices.

Outside of professional and community recommendations, you may also find out how well a facility
compares to others in your area as well as how well it complies with standards required by government
regulations. To see how a facility has performed in compliance with the complicated comprehensive
federal regulatory guidelines, you can access a state Web site free of charge at www.colorado.gov.

1) Click on advanced search.
2) Enter Department of Public Health and Environment.
3) Click on Department of Public Health and Environment.
4) On the left hand side select Division and Programs.
5) Scroll down and select health facilities.
6) Scroll down and select Nursing Homes – Nursing Care Facilities.
7) Select View a list of nursing homes.
8) Select your city or county. You will be offered a list of facilities in alphabetical order.

Other Web sites provide similar comparisons for a small fee. One such resource www.healthgrades.com
has consistently ranked Mapleton CareCenter at its highest possible rating for all long termcare centers
in the State of Colorado.

If you do not have access to the internet you may also contact your local “ombudsman”. An ombudsman
is a state funded advocate for residents and their family members. Call 303-722-0300 to find out who
the ombudsman is for your area.

Once you’ve narrowed your search to a few facilities you’d like to visit, keep the following in mind as
you tour and evaluate each:

Finally, once you’ve decided on a nursing facility, visit there more than once and at different times of
day. Observe activity and staffing on evenings and weekends. This can reveal much about how well a
facility is staffed.