Choosing a Nursing Home

Philosophy of Care

• Does the home simply provide custodial care (such as bathing, feeding, and dressing), or does it try to optimize residents' ability to care for themselves?

Environment

• Is the nursing home attractive, friendly, homelike, and relaxed?

• Are there any unpleasant odors? Is the nursing home clean and well maintained?

• Are the dining room and other common areas bright, cheery, and pleasant?

• How is the noise level in common areas monitored to prevent it from disturbing residents whose rooms are nearby?

• Are there safe, accessible walking paths on the grounds?

• Is there a garden or patio?

• Does the nursing home have appropriate safety devices, such as fire alarms and sprinklers? What are the plans for emergencies, such as fires?

Residents

• Is the nursing home accepting new residents?

• Do the residents seem reasonably happy and active, or are they wandering aimlessly or sitting and doing nothing?

• Are the residents clean and appropriately dressed?

• Are any of the residents restrained?

Staff Members

• Do the staff members treat the residents with respect, patience, and friendliness?

• Are staff members experienced and qualified?

• Do the residents see the same staff members on a daily basis?

• Is there a high turnover in staff members?

• Do staff members respond to requests for help in a reasonable amount of time?

• What is the ratio of staff members to residents?

Rooms

• Is there enough storage or closet space?

• Are the residents’ rooms bright and cheery?

• Are private rooms available?

• How are roommates selected?

• How are private items stored or secured?

• Can residents have their own telephone, television, and internet access?

• Is water available and within reach for residents who need it?

• Can residents decorate their rooms with personal items?

• Are there safety features, such as grab bars and pull cords (to call for help)?

Meals

• What time are meals served?

• Are meals served hot?

• Are snacks available between meals?

• Can residents get from their room to the dining area easily?

• Can meals be provided in a resident’s room if needed?

• Are the meals tasty and nutritious?

• How are special dining or menu requests handled? Are choices available at meals?

• Can the nursing home provide special diets when needed? Is there an additional cost?

• Are staff members available to help with feeding during meals?

• Is there a registered dietitian on staff?

Health Care

• Can residents keep their own doctor rather than use the nursing home’s doctor?

• How often is the nursing home’s doctor available, and where?

• Does the nursing home have an arrangement with a nearby hospital?

• If residents have to be hospitalized, will a bed be available afterward?

• Are other health care professionals (such as dentists, podiatrists, physical therapists, optometrists, counselors, and social workers) available?

• Are therapy programs (such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy) provided?

• Does the nursing home have special programs for people who have disorders such as Alzheimer disease or HIV infection?

• What services does the nursing home provide for residents with a terminal disorder?

• How are prescription medications ordered and given to residents? How is the use of medications monitored?

• What is the policy on residents keeping nonprescription medications?

• Are residents and family members encouraged to participate in developing a plan for care?

Services

• Is help with daily dental care provided?

• How is personal laundry done?

• Is reading material available?

Visiting

• Is the nursing home conveniently located for frequent visits by family members and friends?

• Can family members visit any time?

Activities

• What activities are offered?

• Are residents encouraged to participate? How are the residents informed of the activities?

• Is there an activity director?

• Does participation in activities cost extra?

• Are there rooms for other activities, such as a TV or game room?

• Are religious services held on the premises?

Costs

• Are all the services that residents need covered in the basic charge?

• What services (such as hair salons or laundry) cost extra, and what is the cost?

Residents’ Rights and Privacy

• Does the nursing home have an active resident or family council or both?

• Are residents allowed to go in and out as they please?

• Are restraints used? When and why?

• Is there a lock on the door to private rooms? Do staff members knock before entering?

• Can married couples live together? Are they given privacy?

• Are the sexual or intimacy needs of residents respected?

• How often are residents bathed? Can residents have a bath or shower whenever they want? Are bath and shower areas kept warm enough? How much privacy is provided in these areas?

• Are pets allowed? Can visitors bring pets?

• Can residents keep food or alcohol in their rooms?

• What is the nursing home’s policy on lost or missing valuables?

• Who contacts family members in case of an emergency?

• If residents wish to leave, what are the policies on giving notice or refunds?