Developing criteria for elderly nursing homes: the case of Lebanon Ramzi Nasser Qatar University, Doha, Qatar, and Jacqueline Doumit Notre Dame University, Zouk Mikael, Lebanon Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this study is to establish a set of measurable criteria for elderly nursing homes (ENHs) in Lebanon. Donabedian’s model known by structure/process/outcome was used as the driving conceptual framework for the study. Design/methodology/approach – The study reports on a panel discussion where administrators, caregivers and specialists, separately established and exchanged key information on best practice approach. The work was carried out in the summer of 2008, using the consensus panel method. A group of expert opinions (Dalkey) made up of elderly home administrators and caregivers, policy makers, and academics discussed specific key issues related to elderly health and quality of life. Findings – A total of 40 criteria were retained along seven main dimensions: types of elderly homes; funding; health services; boarding services; activities; structures; and elderly rights. Research limitations/implications – A major limitation in this study is that elderly were not part of the consensus making process. Thus, including elderly in the process would have substantiated and added validity to the established criteria. Practical implications – The criteria developed in this study can be turned into key performance standards for elderly homes in Lebanon, other Mediterranean and Arab countries. These criteria would greatly benefit elderly homes if validated and used as guidelines for quality care. Originality/value – The study is original in the sense that it seeks to establish measures for criteria, a blueprint, and benchmarks for ENH standards. Keywords Performance levels, Quality awareness, Nursing homes, Elderly people, Elder care, Lebanon Paper type Research paper Introduction In Lebanon, elderly reliance on private care has largely increased over the decade. The expansion of health related services, management and oversee of Elderly Nursing Homes (ENH’s) has demanded greater accountable measures by these institutions. Elderly persons and their guardians stipulate a greater quality service, transparency, suitable structures, and a functional health care system. Hence, ENHs in Lebanon face the challenges of providing quality care in a new era of administrative accountability and accreditation systems. The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at www.emeraldinsight.com/0952-6862.htm The study was funded by the World Health Organization (Grant No. EM08058111). Elderly nursing homes 211 Received 13 February 2009 Revised 17 August 2009 3 November 2009 Accepted 11 November 2009 International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance Vol. 24 No. 3, 2011 pp. 211-222 q Emerald Group Publishing Limited 0952-6862 DOI 10.1108/09526861111116651