Choosing A Nursing Home
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A Checklist for Families
Facility: ______________________________________
Date of Visit: ______________________________________
Address: ______________________________________
Telephone: ______________________________________
Contact: ______________________________________
Directions: ______________________________________
Ask Yourself
- Does the home seem clean, cheerful, uncrowded? ___
- Is there cheerful, respectful, pleasant interaction between staff and residents? ___
- What is the noise level in the facility? ___
Is it comfortable and homelike? ___
Are there quiet places for residents? ___
- Are there pleasant areas for family visits? ___
- Do residents look clean and well groomed? ___
- Is the home free from unpleasant odors? ___
- Do the rooms appear to be appropriately decorated? ___
Or, do they all look alike? ___
- Are there residents in physical restraints? ___
- Do residents appear to be engaged in meaningful activity by themselves or with others? ___
- Are the residents using the common areas? ___
- Do you notice a quick response to call lights? ___
- Are the residents crying out? ___
If so, do they get an appropriate response from staff? ___
- Do the meals look appetizing? ___
Are residents eating most of their food? ___
Do they have help if they need it? ___
- Is the facility located in a convenient location for visitors? ___
Ask the Staff
- Is there a library, gardening, community activities, pets, and activities of interest? What activities
are available? ____________________
- Are their walking paths, evening activities, music, and structured activities for dementia patients?
What activities are available for patients with dementia? ____________________
- Are nursing assistants involved in the resident's care planning process? ____________________
- Does the facility have a satisfactory policy in place for a resident who refuses to take medication or
receive treatment? What is the policy? ____________________
- Does the facility have a satisfactory policy in place regarding missing clothing and belongings?
____________________
- Are therapies provided? (Occupational, speech, physical therapy, and mental health services...)
____________________
- Is there a family council? ____________________
- Is there an ombudsman? ____________________
- Are residents involved in selecting roommates? ____________________
- Are there activities offered to meet the resident's spiritual needs? ____________________
- Is the facility a licensed Medicare, Medicaid, and/or private pay provider? ____________________
- What is the private pay rate? ____________________
- Is there a period of time a person must pay privately before qualifying for a Medicaid bed? How long?
____________________
- Is there a room currently available or when I am anticipating needing one? ____________________
Ask Residents and Families
- Can you get up and go to bed when you wish? What is your usual routine? ____________________
- Are snacks available when you want one? What are they? ____________________
- Do you get adequate help with going to the toilet when you need it? ____________________
- Is there someone you can talk to when you have a problem? Who? ____________________
- Do you get outside as often as you would like? ____________________
- What is the best thing about living here? ____________________
- What is the worst thing about living here? ____________________
Don't Forget!
- Did you see a copy of the state inspection survey?
- Are there any insufficiencies reported on the last state survey?
- Does the Division of Aging currently license the nursing home?
Courtesy of:
The Next Step/ElderAssist
2190 S. Mason Rd. Ste. 205
St. Louis, Mo. 63131
314-821-9111
| Member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers |
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