Table 3. Quotes Describing Important Factors in Patients' Decisions.

Sub-Theme	Example Respondent Quotations
Location	They gave me a sheet with about 50 on there, but I looked for ones that were in my area so I wouldn't have to drive so far and this is the closest one that had an opening. (patient, Midwest) Location, location number one and their qualifications, but I was hoping they had good qualifications, you know, but right now it was really location because my niece really doesn't drive too far. (patient, Northeast) And I picked this place mainly, it was my first time bein' here, mainly because of the location. It's only five minutes from my house and it would be easier for my husband. (patient, Northeast)
Prior Experience	There is a comfort, in knowing certain elements versus fear with the unknown, ya know. So that's why I came here. (patient, Midwest) So you gotta think what ya don't know, you're a little bit afraid of! (patient, Midwest) Um, but I got to tell you, I even thought about [choosing another facility], but I kept coming back to the devil you know is better than the devil you don't know. (patient, Northeast) I thought, why wouldn't I go to a facility that I know rather than some facilities where's there's some questions about them…I just felt a little loyalty to coming here. (patient, Northeast)
Family/Friend Experience	It seems that word of mouth is the best way. Probably to know somebody who was cared for at the place, because the brochures don't tell you anything. These people try to fill their places up, and there's a lot of hype in there. (patient, Northwest) My son had been here before too. My husband, so it just, because, it's kind of a family thing. You call that a family thing. You know, this is where they've been and this is where they've been satisfied, so that to me is reason enough. (patient, Midwest) I like word of mouth of people who've already been there because the doctor, they're not lying in the bed, they haven't been where you've been. (patient, Midwest)
Quality	Well, the quality of the care. I want, because I've seen other places, and you want to be able to walk into a place and feel comfortable right away, that the workers and people are taking care of the people and are treating them with respect. (patient, Midwest) Well, the first, the very first thing is cleanliness, that you know, and that the people have to be knowledgeable too. That's very important, you know. (patient, Midwest) Okay, I think the ambience, clean, quiet, well-organized and trained staff, and that's one important area. Another important area are the amenities like food, showers. I think another area, big area, is that of mutual respect between the staff and the patients and nursing staff's patience with the patients is important. (patient, Northwest)