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Unfortunately, to many put off educating themselves about nursing facilities until a crisis hits. If you or a loved one will need nursing care in the near future it's best to do a little research ahead of time. Choosing a nursing facility is very important and should be considered carefully. A little planning could make all of the difference in you or your loved one's happiness. It's best to familiarize yourself with the facilities in your community. Ask friends, doctors or social service groups for information. When you've narrowed your search down to a couple of facilities you should visit the facility firsthand to get a feel for it's community and the services offered. Below you'll find a list of questions to consider when visiting a nursing facility.
Basic information
- Is the nursing home Medicare certified?
- Is the nursing home Medicaid certified?
- Does the nursing home have the level of care you require?
- Is the nursing home accepting new residents?
- How far away is the facility from friends and family?
- Do they provide quiet areas for residents to visit with family and friends?
Staff
- Are background checks performed on all staff?
- Does the staff wear name tags?
- Is there a continuing education program and training offered to all staff?
- Do the CNAs (Certified Nurses Assistant) work with a manageable number of residents?
- Does a team of CNAs and RNs (Registered Nurse) work with the same residents 4 to 5 days a week?
- Are CNAs involved in care planning meetings?
- On the tour does the guide know the residents by name and do the residents recognize him/her?
- Is there a full time RN in the facility at all times other than the Administrator or Director of Nursing?
- Does the nursing home have a full time social worker on staff?
- Is there a licensed doctor on staff?
a.Are they there daily?
b.Can they be reached at all times?
- Has the management team been working together for at least one year?
- Does the staff knock before entering a resident's room and refer to them by name?
- Does the relationship between the staff and the residents appear to be friendly, polite and respectful?
- Is the Director of Nursing available to answer your questions?
- How many nurses and aides are scheduled per shift?
- Do the staff interact with residents in a friendly and caring manner?
Nursing Home Living Spaces
- Does the environment seem clean and well kept?
- Is the nursing home free from unpleasant, overwhelming odors?
- Does the nursing home have adequate lighting?
- Is the temperature comfortable for the residents?
- Are the noise levels in the common areas (i.e. dining room) comfortable?
- Is smoking prohibited or limited to designated areas?
- Is the furniture strong yet comfortable and nice-looking?
Residents' Quarters
- Are residents permitted to have personal belongings and furniture in their rooms?
- Does the nursing home have policies and procedures to protect residents' possessions?
- Is there storage space in residents' room (closet and drawers)?
- Does each resident have a window in their bedroom?
- Do residents have access to a personal television and telephone?
- Do residents have access to the internet?
- Can water pitchers be retrieved by residents?
- Are the residents permitted to choose their roommate?
Activities
- Does the facility offer activity programs I enjoy?
- Are outdoor areas for resident use available and will staff help residents go outside?
- Is there an active volunteer program at the nursing home?
- Do the residents appear interested in activities offered?
- What is offered to bedridden residents?
- What is offered on evenings and weekends?
- Are religious services held or transportation offered to them?
- Are there outdoor activities such as gardening?
- Are there opportunities for residents to interact with children or pets if they want to?
- What kinds of things are in the "common areas, lounge" other than a television?
- Does the facility offer opportunities for activities at the site?
Dining Services
- Are residents offered choices about what they eat, when and where they eat?
- Will they provide any special diet that your faith practices require?
- If needed, will the staff help residents eat and drink at mealtimes?
- Are residents offered dining in social settings that have a pleasant atmosphere?
- Upon request will the staff provide nutritious snacks?
Safety & Care
- Are the exits clearly marked?
- Does the nursing home have sprinklers and smoke detectors?
- Is there a facility evacuation program and do they hold regular fire drills?
- Are there handrails and grab bars in the bathrooms and hallways?
- Is the facility (common areas, doorways and resident rooms) designed for wheelchair access?
- For the safety of residents do they lock the doors at night?
- Is there a special "Wander Guard" to help residents that become confused in the nursing home?
- Does the nursing home have an arrangement for emergencies with a local hospital?
- Are residents still permitted to see their personal physician?
- Do residents receive preventative care to keep them healthy, for example an annual flu shot or pneumonia screening?
- Are care plan meetings held at convenient times for residents and family members to attend when possible?
- Has the nursing home corrected all deficiencies (failure to meet one or more State or Federal requirements) from its last inspection?
You can also find more detailed information at Medicare
as well.
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