Nursing Home Checklist

The Basics

• Is the nursing home Medicare certified?
• Is the nursing home Medicaid certified?
• Has the facility’s state license ever been suspended or revoked?
• Does the home make a copy of its most recent state inspection report available to visitors?
• If there were deficiencies noted on the inspection report, has the staff corrected them?
• Is there a bed available for your loved one?
• If no beds are currently available, is there a waiting list?
• Does the facility offer any specialized skilled nursing care your loved one needs, such as dementia care?
• Is the facility close enough to family and friends to allow for regular visits?

Patient Comfort and Safety

• Does the retirement home conduct background checks on its employees?
• Are there door alarms and security measures to monitor who comes and goes from the facility?
• Do the patients you see during your visit seem clean, properly dressed, and well cared for?
• Do the staffers you see during your visit treat patients with respect?
• Do staffers respond to patients’ requests quickly?
• Does the nursing home look clean and smell sanitary?
• Are vaccines, health screenings, and other preventive care measures available to patients?
• Is the temperature comfortable for residents?
• Does the building meet basic safety-code standards such as clearly marked exits, fire extinguishers, and sprinklers?
• Does the facility have an evacuation procedure in case of emergencies such as fire or flood?
• Does the building have a backup power generator in case of a power outage?
• Is there a nearby hospital where patients can be transferred in case of medical emergency?
• Are the patient areas of the building (personal rooms, lounges, dining areas) wheelchair and walker accessible?
• Do bathrooms and hallways have grab bars or hand rails for patient safety?
• Do patients have daily access to a safe outdoor area for exercise and relaxation?
• Does the staff make an effort to include all patients in social activities and special events?
• Does the nursing home have a volunteer program and a full schedule of regular activities?
• Can the facility accommodate patients’ religious practices and preferences, such as special meals?

Staffing

• Is the staff available for care plan meetings with patients and their families?
• What is the patient-to-staff ratio?
• How many CNAs and RNs are on duty during each shift?
• Do all staff members wear clearly visible name tags?
• Is there continuing education available for facility staff members?
• Are patients cared for by a consistent group of CNAs and RNs?
• Does the skilled nursing facility have a staff doctor?
• Does the facility have a full-time social worker?

Meals and Nutrition

• Are water pitchers always available to patients in their rooms?
• Do patients have a choice of foods at mealtime?
• How does the food smell and taste to you?
• Is the dining hall clean and relatively quiet?
• Are snacks available between meals?
• Are there enough staffers on hand at mealtimes to help residents who need assistance with eating?

Patient Rooms

• Do staffers knock before entering patient rooms?
• Do patients have a choice of roommates?
• Does each patient in a semi-private room have his or her own secure space for personal belongings?
• Does each patient room have a window with a secure lock?
• Do all patients have their own telephone and television in their room?
• How frequently are linens changed and rooms cleaned?