Choosing to place yourself or someone you love in a nursing facility is easily one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. You and your entire family will likely experience a great range of powerful emotions.

You might feel guilty or ashamed that you can no longer care for your loved one at home. You might feel sadness or anger because your loved one is facing deteriorating health and the loss of cherished independence. You may feel overwhelmed by the number of decisions you face - or powerless in the face of limited options. Or you may feel relieved that you will not have to bear the stress of caring for your loved one all alone.

Whatever you are feeling, it is normal and you are not alone. Every year thousands of families face the same decision you are facing. It may make you feel better to know that the overwhelming majority of families in Michigan (90 percent) are satisfied with care provided in the nursing facilities they select.

It is important for you to remember throughout your search that just because you can no longer care for someone, doesn't mean you don't care about them. For some people, a nursing facility is the only care alternative that will allow them the best quality of life while ensuring they have access to the around the clock care they need.

So, once you have determined that a nursing facility placement is needed, the important question becomes: how do you choose the best possible nursing facility for your loved one's needs? This entire guide has been developed to help you do exactly that. Here's how to use the guide:

• Read through the informational section on selecting good care to make sure you have a good understanding of how to select and finance the best nursing facility care for your needs.
• Use the individual listings to identify the nursing facilities in your community or area.
• Compile a "semi-final" list of homes near where you live so it is convenient for friends and family to visit. The facility should also be close to the resident's physician and a cooperating hospital.
• Read the individualized information available about the homes you have selected. Note the family satisfaction scores, and the number of citations in the most recent state survey. Then, narrow your list to a manageable number that you will be able to visit and investigate more thoroughly.