National Nursing Home week begins today. It's a time for nursing home facilities to recognize its residents and staff.

Residents at Beeghly Oaks in Boardman celebrated the start of National Nursing Home Week with some morning festivities that included a flag raising and a balloon launch.

The administrator at Beeghly Oaks, Lori Ference, says it's important for people who are looking for the right facility to consider a location that's close.  "We like to have the families stay close to their loved ones. Quality of care is also at the top of the list. You want to find a facility that has good quality of care and a home-like environment," Ference said.

But finding that perfect place is a daunting task, especially when there are over 1,100 in the state of Ohio.

A call to an ombudsman can help you decide if a nursing home is needed, what Medicaid and Medicare will pay for, and surveys from potential nursing home locations.

John Saulitis is the long-term care ombudsman director for the Area Agency on Aging 11.  He said, "We have information on current complaints. We can direct them to other resources such as the Department of Health, information like citations from state regulatory agencies."

It's also important to know when you look for a nursing home; you look at more than just one facility.  Make sure to go at a busy time, like when meals are served and see how the staff interacts with the residents.

"If the person who is escorting you through the facility doesn't greet the residents who live there by name and engage with them, that's a red flag," said Saulitis.

Another red flag, does the facility smell bad? If it does, would you want to live there 24/7?

You can contact an ombudsman through the Area Agency on Aging at 330-505-2300 or 1-800-589-5826.