Step 1:  You and your loved one should first list his or her needs.

Step 2:  Generate questions that will meet those needs and/or use either of the checklists provided:  Tips for Advocates or Nursing Facility Checklist.

Step 3:    Call or e-mail the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman's office if you wish to get further information on a specific facility and/or to find a list of facilities in your jurisdiction. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Complaint Log lists the issues that were investigated in Northern Virginia long-term care facilities in the past 12 months.

Step 4:  Schedule an appointment with the Admissions Department, bring your list of questions and do a full tour, including an overview of services that are available.

Step 5:  Once the orientation is complete, let the staff person know that you will contact them if you decide to select their facility.  They should provide you with a business card and marketing materials.

Step 6:  If you liked the visit, consider making a second visit, unannounced, at a different time of day and/or day of the week.  Speak to residents and their family members if you have an opportunity.  If a staff member stops to ask you if you need any assistance, you can indicate that you are considering a placement.

Step 7:  Review all the information that you have gathered in order to make an informed decision.

Steps Provided by
The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program 

Nursing Facility Checklist (To Help in Your Decision Making)

(You may want to use this checklist when you visit nursing facilities to help you compare one with another.) 

• 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

• Is the location convenient for frequent visits from family and friends?
  
  
• Accident Prevention
    -Are rooms and halls well-lighted, free from glare and tripping hazards?
    -Are chairs sturdy and not easily tipped?
    -Do the halls and bath floors have non-slip surfaces?
    -Are there handrails in hallways and grab bars in the bathroom?
  
  
• Fire Safety
    -Does the facility have a sprinkler system?
    -Does the facility have smoke detectors?
    -Are there written emergency evacuation plans?
    -Are fire drills conducted at least quarterly?
    -Are exit doors clearly marked and not locked or obstructed on the inside?
    -Are stairways enclosed and doors to stairways kept closed?
  
  
• Bedrooms
    -Are there windows?
    -Is there easy access to each bed?
    -Are there privacy curtains for each bed?
    -Is there a call bell within reach of the resident?
    -Is there fresh drinking water at each bed?
    -Is there at least one comfortable chair per resident?
    -Is there adequate lighting for reading?
    -Is there a clothes closet and drawers?
    -Is there room for a wheelchair to maneuver?
  
  
• Toilet Facilities
    -Is the bathroom easy for someone in a wheelchair to use?
    -Is there a sink?
    -Is a call bell accessible in the bathroom?
    -Are there hand grips on or near toilets?
    -Do bathtubs and showers have non-slip surfaces?
    -Is the bathroom well-lighted?
  
  
• Cleanliness   -Is the facility free of unpleasant odors?
    -Are residents with incontinence given prompt attention?
  
  
• Day room   -Does it appear to be used by residents?
    -Are there lamps, tables and comfortable chairs?
    -Are books and games available?
  
  
• Dining Room/Food Services   -Is the dining room attractive and pleasant?
    -Are there comfortable chairs and tables?
    -Do meals match a posted menu and are they appetizing?
    -Are those needing help with eating receiving it?
    -Are meals served on a regular schedule?
    -Are residents encouraged to eat in dining room?
    -Are special diets available?
  
  
• Environment
    -Are the 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
    -Is the physician available in emergency?
    -Is a thorough physical given immediately before or upon admission?
    -Are medical records and plan of care kept?
    -Are other medical services (dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, etc.) available regularly?
    -Is there freedom to choose a pharmacy?
    -Does the home have an x-ray machine?
    -Is emergency transportation available?
  
  
• Nursing Services
    -Are LPNs or RNs on all shifts seven days per week?
    -Are Nursing Aides certified through a state-approved training program?
  
  
• Activities Program
    -Are individual resident choices and preferences observed?
    -Are group and individual activities provided?
    -Are residents encouraged, but not forced to participate?
    -Are there outside trips for those who can go?
    -Do volunteers from the community work with residents?
    -Is there an activities director or coordinator on staff?
    -Are activities offered to residents confined to their beds or rooms?
  
  
• Religious Observances
    -Are arrangements made for residents to worship as they choose?
    -Are religious observances a matter of choice?
  
  
• Social Services
    -Is a Social Worker available to help residents and families?
    -Does the facility have a Residents' Council that meets monthly?
    -Does the facility have a Family Council?
  
  
• Grooming
    -Are barbers and beauticians available for men and women?
  
  
• Laundry
    -Is clothing laundered in the facility?
    -Are special efforts made to prevent loss of clothing?
    -Is the laundry cost included in monthly fee?