Choosing a Nursing Home

The following are key points to find out about when considering a nursing home.

·         How many beds does the facility have and how many staff are present per bed.

·         What inspections have been done and are mandatory.

·         What are the facilities patient rights?

·         What are the resident characteristics such as percentage of patients with pressure sores, percentage of patients with urinary incontinence?

·         How many Registered Nurses are staffed?  How many Certified Nurse’s Assistants?  How many Vocational Specialist? 

·         Is the facility Medicare or Medicaid approved?

·         Does the facility have the right equipment to care for the patient’s needs?

·         What nutrition program is in place?

·         What is the policy on bathing (how often, what time of day)?

·         Is the nursing home close to family or friends so that the patient can receive visits?

·         Is the nursing home clean, well lit, and friendly to you as you inspect?

·         What programs does the facility offer?  Do they provide social activities?

·         Are the furnishings sturdy and safe?

·         Are the current residents well dressed (for the season), clean, and well kept?

·         Does the staff knock before entering a patient’s room?

·         Does the facility offer continuing education for their staff?

·         What is the nursing schedule?  Do the same nurses care for the same patients for several days a week?

·         Is there a doctor present?

·         Can the patient have their own belongings?

·         Are snacks available to patients?