Nursing Home Checklist

Choosing a nursing home is a difficult andimportant decision. To help you make a goodchoice, I have compiled this checklist, which you cantake with you on visits before you select a facility.Is it free of hazards underfoot?Are chairs sturdy and not easily tipped?Are warning signs posted on wet/waxedfloors?LICENSINGDoes the facility have a current Pennsylvanialicense?Does the administrator have a currentPennsylvania license?CERTIFICATION AND QUALITYIf Medicare and/or Medicaid coverage isneeded, is the facility certified to provide it?Does the facility have a formal qualityassurance program?LOCATIONIs the facility pleasing to the potentialresident?Is it convenient for the resident’s personalphysician?Is it convenient for the resident’s family andfriends?Is it near a hospital that serves facilityresidents?Is it near a hospital where your personalphysician practices?CLEANLINESSDoes the facility meet yourstandards for cleanliness?Is it free of unpleasant odors?BEDROOMSDo bedrooms open into halls?Does each resident have a room with awindow?Are rooms limited to four beds?Is there a privacy drapery for each bed?Is there a nurse call bell by each bed?Is fresh drinking water available at eachbed?Is there at least one comfortable chair perresident?Is there a clothes closet or separate set ofdrawers for each resident?Is there room for a wheelchair tomaneuver?Is care used in selecting roommates?Is there easy access to each bed?#6004 7/10State SenatorXXXX Senatorial DistrictSAFETYDoes the facility meet state and/or federalcodes?Are written emergency evacuation plans withfloor plans posted throughout the building?Are exits clearly marked and unobstructed?Are exit doors unlocked on the inside?Are doors to stairways kept closed?Are fire drills held periodically?Are there hand rails in hallwaysand grab bars in restrooms?Is the facility well-lighted inside?LOBBYIs the atmosphere welcoming?Is the furniture attractive and comfortable?Is there a bulletin board with activitiesposted?Are certificates and licenses on display?HALLWAYSAre the hallways wide enough for twowheelchairs to pass easily?Are they well-lighted?(Continued Inside)

DINING ROOMIs the dining area attractive andinviting?Are tables convenient for those inwheelchairs?Is food tasty and attractively served?Is time adequate to eat meals?Do meals match posted menus?Are those needing help receiving it?FOODDoes a dietician plan menusfor residents on special diets?Are personal likes and dislikestaken into consideration?Does the menu vary from meal to meal?Are snacks available?Is food delivered to residents unable orunwilling to eat in the dining room?Are warm foods served warm?KITCHENIs the food preparation area separatedfrom dishwashing and garbage disposal?Is food needing refrigeration put awaypromptly?Does kitchen help observe sanitationrules?ACTIVITY ROOMSAre rooms available for residentactivities?Are supplies and equipment available?(games, yarn, kiln, etc.)Are residents using equipment?SPECIAL PURPOSE ROOMSAre rooms set aside for physicalexaminations or therapy?Are rooms availablefor private visitswith family andfriends?ISOLATION ROOMSIs a room set aside to house those with acontagious illness?BATHROOMSAre toilets convenient to bedrooms?Are they easy for a wheelchair-boundperson to use?Is there a sink in each bathroom?Are nurse call bells located near each toilet?Are hand grips on or near toilets?Do bathtubs and showers havenon-slip surfaces and hand grips?GROUNDSIs there easy access for the handicapped?Is outdoor furniture available for residentsand visitors?Are the grounds free of hazardous objects?RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCESAre arrangements made for residents toworship as they please?MEDICAL INFORMATIONIs a physician available in an emergency?Are personal physicians allowed?Is regular medical attention assured?Are medical records kept on file?Are residents involved in plans for treatment?Is confidentiality of records assured?Are other medical services (dentist, podiatrist,etc.) available?Will the resident’s personal physician benotified in an emergency?Does the facility report periodically to theresident’s personal physician?CARE PLANNINGDoes the facility provide services forterminally ill residents and their families?Does the facility have an Alzheimer’sdisease program?Does the facility care for mentally illresidents?HOSPITALIZATIONDoes the facility have an arrangementwith a nearby hospital?Is emergency transportationreadily available?NURSING CAREIs a registered nurse responsible for thenursing staff in a skilled nursing facility?Are licensed nurses on duty around theclock?Are trained nurse aides and orderlies onduty in homes providing nursing care?PHARMACYAre routine and emergency drugs available?Does a pharmacist review resident drugregimens in a skilled nursing facility?Is a pharmacist available for staff andresident consultation?THERAPYIs there a physical therapy room availableunder the direction of a qualified physicaltherapist?Is therapy available to meet special needs?Are services of an occupational therapist orspeech pathologist available?ACTIVITIESAre resident preferences observed?Are group and individual activities available?Are residents encouraged to participate?Are outside trips planned?Do volunteers work with residents?SOCIAL SERVICESIs a social worker available to help residentsand families?GROOMINGIs assistance with bathingand grooming available?Are barbers and beauticiansavailable?STAFF ATTITUDESDoes the staff show interest in andaffection for individual residents?Is the staff courteous?Is the administrator available to answerquestions, hear complaints or discussproblems?Does the staff respond quickly toresident calls for assistance?Does the staff know residents by name?RESIDENT RIGHTSDoes the facility have a writtendescription of resident rights andresponsibilities?Is the staff trained to protect residentdignity and privacy?Does the facility have a resident council?COSTSAre all services covered in thebasic daily charge?If not, is a list available ofspecific services not covered in the basicrate? (Some facilities have rateschedules covering linen, personal laundry,haircuts, dental care, etc.)Are advance payments returned if theresident leaves the facility?YOUR ROLEIf you are selecting a nursing facility forsomeone else, are you:Involving this person in the decision?Prepared to ease the transition by goingalong on admission day and staying a fewhours during the “settling in” period?Ready to visit frequently and encouragefriends to make similar visits?Willing to provide the same amount oflove in the nursing home as you wouldat home?