What to Look For In A Nursing Home

Knowledge Is Power

Once you have made your selection, make an appointment to tour the facility. You may want to take this list along with you to help you evaluate the facility..
 

Tour facility

Visit the facility you are interested in more than once and at different times. Observe staffing on evenings and weekends. This can reveal a lot about how the facility is staffed.

Services

Does the facility meet your needs? It's OK to actually observe group rehab services, but ask first. Is there sufficient attention given to each resident?

Fees

Request a written description of fees.

Odor

Walk around the entire facility. Is there an odor? Ask about it!

Noise

What is the noise level? Is staff calling out to each other down the hall?

Cleanliness

Is the facility clean? Are the floors free from spills? Is staff wearing clean uniforms, etc.

Lighting

Are the hallways sufficiently lit? How well are the residents' rooms and common areas lit?

Mealtime

Observe mealtime. Do the residents appear happy with the meals they are served? Look at the menu. Are they offered choices? Do you notice any resident having difficulty using a fork, spoon or cup? Is there someone there to help them? Are choking posters within view?

Temperature

Does it feel too cold or too hot? Are air conditioners blowing directly on residents? Are you comfortable?

Staff Interaction

Observe staff interacting with each other, with residents and with families or visitors. Do the staff treat the residents respectfully?

Satisfaction

Do residents appear happy? How about the staff? Speak with visiting families. You can request to go to a resident council meeting.

Privacy

Is there a place you can visit with your loved one in privacy? Is staff discussing patient care freely within hearing distance of residents and visitors? All staff should knock on a resident's door before entering his/her room.

Credentials

Is the facility Medicare/Medicaid certified? Is the most recent federal/state survey posted in the lobby or a common area? Does the facility have any deficiencies? If so, ask to see a plan of correction. Is the facility JACHO accredited?

Staffing

Ask what the ratio of nurses and certified nursing assistants are to a resident. This should be posted in a common area. Are the specialty units, such as dementia, short term rehabilitation or ventilator units, staffed differently?

Resident Care

Are the residents well-groomed and appropriately dressed? Are they comfortably positioned?

Security

How does the facility protect residents from wandering outside? How easy was it for you to get in? Were you asked for identification and the reason for your visit? Ask how residents' personal items are protected.

Safety

Are residents assisted when needed? Check for smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinkler systems. Ask if the facility has a procedure in place to screen for abuse and neglect.

Communication

What language is the staff speaking? Can they communicate with you and your loved one?

Mobility

Are hallways and rooms clear for residents to move around freely? Are obstacles in the way such as linen, medication and/or cleaning carts? These should be on one side of the hallway.

Activities

Review the monthly activity calendar. Is there a variety? Can residents make a choice?

Postings

In addition to surveys, look for information on resident rights, the Ombudsperson, and the Department of Health hotline number.

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