How to Choose a Nursing Home

You want the best for your elderly family member but how do you know you are making the right choices? To help you make an informed decision, we have listed some of the things you should look for and check into when choosing a nursing home.

Cleanliness

• Does the home smell fresh?
• Are the common areas and resident rooms clean?
• Do the residents look clean and well cared for?
• Does the kitchen look sanitary with food appropriately stored?

Finances

• Check into how the resident will qualify for Medicare or Medicaid (our Administrators can help you with this).
• What services are included and what are extra?

Licenses & Certifications

• A nursing home must meet certain State operating requirements before being granted a license and the license must be displayed in each home.
• A nursing home must be certified by Medicare and Medicaid to accept Medicare/Medicaid patients. Check with the home to make sure it is certified.
• Nursing home Administrators must have taken and passed a licensing exam given by the National Association of Boards of Examiners for Long-Term Care Administrators and must renew the license annually.

Meals

• Does the home use its own in-house, licensed Dietitian or have access to a licensed Dietitian?
• Does a licensed Dietitian approve all menus?
• What arrangements are made for residents with special dietary needs?

Medical Care

• Is an emergency physician available?
• What sort of access is allowed for a personal physician?
• Which hospital would the resident be transported to in the event of an emergency?
• Does the home set up a resident care plan upon admission?

Quality

• Ask to see the home’s last Quality Report issued by State surveyors.
• Ask about the Quality Initiatives in which the home is involved.

Respect and Dignity

• Does the home train staff to treat residents with respect and dignity at all times?
  Ask to see the home’s “Residents’ Rights” and “Quality of Life” policies and procedures.

Rooms

• Are the resident rooms and common areas bright and cheerful?
• Do the rooms allow for personal privacy?
• Does the dining room look open and pleasant with room for wheelchairs?
• What items may a resident bring and what is not allowed?

Safety

• Does the home have policies and technology in place to allow the monitoring of all residents?
• What are the home’s emergency plans for situations such as fire, violent weather or other potential crises?
• Are bathrooms equipped with grab bars?
• Does the home have an emergency call system?

Social Programs

• What does the home do to entertain its residents and keep them socialized and active?
• Does the home encourage outside groups to visit?

For more information, we recommend this government site that gives past performance information for Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes.