Nursing Homes
Visit the Facilities
Use this checklist to help evaluate nursing homes and to compare a number of possibilities to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. Do not trust your memory during these important visits. The more detail you provide here, the better you will be able to compare and contrast facilities.
Here are some helpful questions to ask during your visit. Some of the answers will be obvious from your observations; others may require you to do some additional digging or consult other people with inside knowledge at facility.
The Facility in General
- Was your first impression of the facility a positive one?
- Does it meet your standards for cleanliness?
- Are there unpleasant odors, such as urine or chemical disinfectants?
Bedrooms
- How many residents occupy each room?
- Are residents encouraged to bring personal belongings?
- What is the facility’s policy on matching roommates?
- Is each individual equipped with: A privacy curtain? A clothes closet or storage area? Fresh drinking water? A nurse call button? A sturdy, comfortable chair?
Public Areas
- Do the common areas have adequate light and ventilation, comfortable temperature, and relative quiet?
- Do residents appear to be using social and activity rooms?
- Is there a quiet place to socialize or have private visits?
Safety
- Is the facility well lit?
- Are tiles or carpet in good condition?
- Are exits and fire exits clearly marked?
- Are there handrails and grab bars in the hallways and bathrooms?
- Are the hallways free of clutter?
Care
- Who puts together the resident’s care plan?
- Are residents and family members or outside caretakers encouraged to participate?
- Is there a plan for emergency medical treatment if needed?
- Can residents receive care from their personal physicians?
Meals
Check facilities at various times, but make a special effort to observe during a meal.
- Are meals nutritious and served hot?
- Are residents enjoying their food?
- Does the facility consider ethnic food preferences?
- Can residents choose their own mealtimes?
- Are there choices at meals?
- Is there adequate staff to help residents who need it?
- Are residents given sufficient time to finish eating?
Medications
- Can residents administer their own medication if they are able?
- If not, who dispenses it and how is that staff member trained and supervised?
Activities
Ask to see the calendar of events and activities.
- Are there scheduled activities in which the potential resident would be interested?
- Are residents taken on trips outside the facility for activities? Is transportation available?
Staff
- Do residents appear to be treated well by the staff? Ask residents how they feel about being there.
- How many staff members are generally available to take care of the residents in the facility during the day, evening, and overnight shifts?
- How are staff members trained? What are their qualifications?
- What are their work hours?
- Are licensed nurses available?
- What is the staff turnover rate? A high turnover could indicate that it is a difficult place to work or there are problems between the staff and the administration, which could have a negative impact on residents.
Make a Second Visit
Visit the facility a second time, this time without making an appointment. Go at a different time of day than on your first visit, preferably on a weekend or in the early evening when there are not as many staff working. Slowly walk through the facility again. Observe and talk with the residents and ask any additional questions. Note whether there are any changes in the delivery of care or services or the quality and quantity of meals.
For more information on nursing homes and guidance on choosing a specific facility, contact the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform and the California Association of Health Facilities.