Checklist for Choosing a Nursing Facility

(You may want to use this checklist when you visit nursing facilities to help you compare one with another.
 An asterisk * indicates that this item is required by licensing or certification regulations.)

 

• Does the facility have a framed, posted license from the State Department of Health?*
• Does the administrator have a current license from the State Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators?*
• Is the facility certified to participate in Medicare and/or Medicaid?
  

Physical and Operational Considerations

• Location Convenient for resident's personal doctor?
    -Convenient for frequent visits by family and friends?
  
• Accident Prevention*
    -Rooms and halls well-lighted, free from glare?
    -Free of hazards underfoot?
    -Chairs sturdy and not easily tipped?
    -Non-slip surface on hall and bath floors?
    -Handrails in hallways and grab bars in bathroom?
  
• Fire Safety
    -Does the facility have a sprinkler system?
    -Does the facility have smoke detectors?
    -Written emergency evacuation plans?
    -Fire drills at least quarterly?
    -Exit doors clearly marked and not locked or obstructed
      on the inside?
    -Stairways enclosed and doors to stairways kept closed?
  
• Bedrooms*
    -Open into hall?
    -Window?
    -No more than four beds per room?
    -Easy access to each bed?
    -Drapery for each bed?
    -Nurse call bell by each bed?
    -Fresh drinking water at each bed?
    -At least one comfortable chair per patient?
    -Reading lights?
    -Clothes closet and drawers?
    -Room for a wheelchair to maneuver?
  
• Toilet Facilities*
    -Easy for a wheelchair patient to use?
    -Sink?
    -Nurse call bell?
    -Hand grips on or near toilets?
    -Bathtubs and showers with non-slip surfaces?
    -Well-lighted?
  
• Cleanliness*
    -Free of unpleasant odors?
    -Incontinent patients given prompt attention?
  
• Day room*
    -Does it appear to be used by residents?
    -Lamps, tables and comfortable chairs?
    -Books and games available?
  
• Dining Room/Food Services*
    -Attractive and pleasant?
    -Comfortable chairs and tables?
    -Meals match a posted menu and attractively served?
    -Those needing help with eating receive it?
    -Meals served on a regular schedule?
    -Residents encouraged to eat in dining room?
    -Special diets available?
  
• Kitchen*
    - Food preparation, dishwashing and garbage
      areas separated?
    -Food needing refrigeration not standing on counters?
    -Kitchen help observe sanitation rules?
  
• Isolation Room
    -At least one bed and bedroom available for patients
     with contagious diseases?
  
• Are grounds attractive, well kept and accessible to residents?*
  
• Is the home air conditioned?
  
• Does the facility seem to be in good repair and condition?*
  
• Is there an area where patients can sit or walk outside?
  
• Is there a secure area outside for residents with dementia?

Services

• Medical
    -Physician available in emergency?*
    -Regular medical attention assured?*
    -Thorough physical immediately before or upon admission?*
    -Medical records and plan of care kept?*
    -Other medical services (dentists, optometrists, etc.)
      available regularly?*
    -Freedom to choose pharmacy?*
    -Does the home have an x-ray machine?
    -Emergency transportation available?*
  
• Nursing Services
    -Registered nurse responsible for nursing staff in
      a skilled nursing facility with 25 or more beds?
    -LPN or RN on all shifts seven days per week?
    -Nurse Aides certified through a state approved
      training program?
  
• Activities Program
    -Individual resident choices and preferences observed?*
    -Group and individual activities?*
    -Residents encouraged but not forced to participate?*
    -Outside trips for those who can go?
    -Volunteers from the community work with patients?
    -Activities director or coordinator on staff?*
    -Activities offered to residents confined to their beds
      or rooms?*
  
• Religious Observances*
    -Arrangements made for patient to worship as he or
     she pleases?
    -Religious observances a matter of choice?
  
• Social Service
    -Social Worker available to help residents and families?*
    -Family Forums held on a regular basis?*
    -Facility has a Residents' Council that meets on a
     regular basis?
    -Facility has a Family Council that meets on a regular basis?
  
• Grooming
    -Barbers and beauticians available for men and women?
  
• Laundry
    -Personal clothing laundered in nursing home?
    -Special efforts made to prevent loss of clothing?
    -Laundry cost included in monthly fee?

Special Considerations