The most valuable thing you can do it so personally visit nursing homes with your loved one. Each home has its own personality and philosophy about patient care. Touring the facilities and talking with residents and staff will give you a good sense about the atmosphere of the home.

Complete a checklist for each facility
Provided below is a checklist — or guidelines and questions to consider when evaluating the nursing homes you visit. Use these checklists items to record your impressions of each nursing home when considering if it is a proper fit for the care needs of your loved one.

Cleanliness

• Does the facility's cleanliness meet your expectations?

Location

• Is the patient happy with the location?
• Is the nursing home conveniently located for your family to visit frequently?
• Is the nursing home's location convenient for the patient's physician?
• Is the nursing home near a hospital?

Licensure and Medicare/Medicaid Certification

• When was the facility's last state survey?
• Is the facility's last survey available to review?
• Is the nursing home certified to provide Medicare/Medicaid coverage?
• Does the administrator have a current license issued by the state?
• Does the facility have a quality assurance program?

Staff Attitudes

• Does the staff visibly show respect and interest for the patients?
• Is the staff quick to respond to a patient's call for assistance?
• Is the staff courteous
• Is the administrator available for the patients to ask questions, or discuss problems and concerns?
• Is the staff respectful and amiable to each other?

Staff / Patient ratio

• How many front-line care providers are on staff?
• How many registered nurses, licensed nurse practitioners, nurse's aides, etc.

Costs

• What is the daily charge for care?
• Does the basic daily charge cover all necessary services?
• If the patient leaves the nursing home, are the advance payments returned?

Medical Services

• Are personal physicians allowed to treat patients?
• Is a physician available in an emergency?
• In an emergency, will the patient's personal physician be notified?
• Is regular medical attention guaranteed?
• Is confidentiality of medical records guaranteed?
• What medical services are available at the facility?

Care planning

• How often does a care plan occur?
• Are patients and their families involved in care plans?

Hospitalization

• Is emergency transportation available?
• Does the nursing home have an arrangement with a local hospital?
• Will the patient's bed be held if he or she must be hospitalized?

Pharmacy

• Is a pharmacist available for patients and staff?
• Does a pharmacist review the drug treatment plans?
• Are routine and emergency drugs available?

Therapy Program

• Are speech therapy and occupational therapy services available to patients?
• Is a qualified physical therapist available to supervise therapy programs at the nursing home?

Activities

• What group and individual activities are available to patients?
• Is participation encouraged?
• Does the facility have volunteers working with the patients?
• What are your volunteer policies?
• Are offsite trips planned for the patients?
• Are the patients involved in the community in any way?

Social Services

• Does the nursing home have a social worker available to assist individuals and families?

Fire Safety

• Are exits unobstructed and clearly marked?
• Is the facility compliant with state and federal codes?
• Does the facility conduct fire drills?
• Are emergency evacuation plans posted with floor plans throughout the facility?

Grounds

• Are walkways clear and free of hazardous objects?
• Is parking adequate for visitors?
• Are the grounds accessible to handicapped individuals?
• Does the facility have outdoor furniture for the patients and their visitors?

Food / Dining

• Does a dietician plan menus for residents requiring special diets?
• Are the patient's preferences considered?
• Does the menu vary?
• How much time are the patients given to eat?
• Is the dining room easy to navigate for those in wheelchairs?
• Is food delivered to patients unable to eat in the dining room?
• Is assistance with eating given to those patients who need it?
• Does the nursing home provide snacks?

Grooming

• Are barbers and beauticians available?
• Does the nursing home provide a laundry service?
• Does the nursing home provide assistance with bathing and grooming?

Patient rights

• Does the facility have a detailed description of the patient's rights posted in the facility?
• Are the patient's rights available for your review?
• Are the staff members trained to protect dignity and privacy, and abide by the patient's rights?

Religious observance

• Does the facility make arrangements for patients to worship as they please?

Family involvement

• Does the nursing home have a family council?
• What volunteer opportunities are available?

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