Choosing a Nursing Home

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

• Do the residents seem reasonably happy and active, or are they wandering aimlessly or sitting and doing nothing?
• Are the residents clean and properly 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?
• 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 staff member to resident ratio?

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 and television?
• Is water available and within reach for residents?
• Can residents decorate their rooms with personal items?
• Are there safety features, such as grab bars and pull cords (to call for help)?
• Can residents keep food in their rooms?

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?

Health Care

• Can residents keep their own doctor rather than use the nursing home's doctor?
• 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 practitioners (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 such disorders as Alzheimer's disease or HIV infection?
• What services does the nursing home provide for residents with a terminal disorder?
• How are prescription drugs ordered and given to residents? How is the use of drugs monitored?
• What is the policy on residents keeping nonprescription drugs?
• 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 beauty salons or laundry) cost extra and what is the cost?

Residents' Rights and Privacy

• 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 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?