The following is a checklist of points to consider when selecting a nursing home. Refer to it as you talk with staff members and tour a home. It can also help you in comparing three different homes.
Administration
Does the nursing home have the required current license from the state or letter of approval from a licensing agency?
Is the home certified to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs?
Do staff members show patients genuine interest and affection?
Do patients look well cared for and generally content?
Are patients allowed to wear their own clothes, decorate their rooms, and keep a few prized possessions on hand?
Is there a written statement of patients' rights? Is this statement displayed where it can be seen?
General Physical Considerations:
Comfort
Is the nursing home clean and orderly?
Are toilet and bathing facilities easy for handicapped patients to use?
Is the home well lighted?
Is the home reasonably free of unpleasant odors?
Are rooms well ventilated and kept at a comfortable temperature?
Safety
Are there wheelchair ramps where necessary?
Are there grab bars in toilet and bathing facilities?
Are there handrails on both sides of the hallways?
Is there an automatic sprinkler system and automatic emergency lighting?
Are there portable fire extinguishers?
Are exit doors unobstructed and unlocked from inside and easily accessible?
Are emergency evacuation plans posted in prominent locations?
Are there smoke detectors and fire alarms on every floor?
Is there a fire station near the home?
Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Services
In case of medical emergencies, is a physician available at all times, either on staff or on call?
Does the home have an arrangement with an outside dental service to provide patients with dental care?
Are pharmaceutical services supervised by a qualified pharmacist?
Does the home have arrangements with a nearby hospital for quick transfer of patients in an emergency?
Nursing Services
Is at least one registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) on duty day and night?
Are nurse call buttons located at each patient's bed and in toilet and bathing facilities?
Food Services
Is the kitchen clean and reasonably tidy?
Are at least three meals served each day?
Are patients given enough food?
Are special meals prepared for patients on therapeutic or other diets?
Do patients who need help receive it, whether in the dining room or in their own rooms?
Rehabilitation Therapy, Social Service, and Patient Activities
Is there a full-time program of physical therapy for patients who need it?
Are there special services available to aid patients and their families?
Does the nursing home have a varied program of recreational, cultural, and intellectual activities for patients?
Are activities offered for patients who are relatively inactive or confined to their rooms?
Patient's Rooms
Is a married couple allowed to share a room?
Do all rooms have a window to the outside?
Is there a curtain or screen available to provide privacy for each bed whenever necessary?
Does each patient have a reading light, a comfortable chair, and a closet and chest of drawers for personal belongings?
Responsibilities
Once a patient is admitted, will the nursing home assume responsibility for taking the patient to medical appointments or other outside community activities?
Is the nursing home clear about what responsibilities should be assumed and/or kept by the family?