Nursing Home Checklist

Does the facility have a bed available currently?

Does the nursing home provide the level of care my loved one requires?

Is the facility Medicare-certified?

Is the facility Medicaid-certified?

Are specialized services offered, such as rehabilitation services or caring for a resident with dementia?

Is the facility close enough that family and friends are able to visit frequently?

Does staff behave in a respectful manner towards residents?

Are they confident and competent in their abilities?

Does staff wear name tags?

Are residents called by their names?

Does the facility do a thorough background check of all employees?

Is the staff involved in up-to-date training and continued education?

Has there been a recent turnover in administration?

Is there licensed nursing staff present 24 hours a day?

Does the staff respond to residents’ calls in a timely manner?

Are there CNAs available to meet my loved one’s needs?

Are CNAs involved in planning resident care?

Are residents out of bed, clean, well-groomed and appropriately dressed?

Do residents have privacy during personal care or while receiving medical treatment?

Are residents participating in activities outside of their rooms?

Is the facility free of persistent unpleasant odors?

Does the facility appear clean and properly maintained?

Are exits clearly marked?

Can two wheelchairs pass each other easily in the hallways?

Are all common areas and resident rooms wheelchair-accessible?

Are there adequate and comfortable visiting areas for friends and family?

Are there handrails in all hallways and bathrooms?

Does the facility have functioning sprinklers and smoke detectors?

Are residents allowed to decorate their rooms with personal items?

Does each resident’s room have a window?

Are resident’s allowed to choose their roommates?

Are there procedures to ensure the safety of residents’ possessions?

Do residents have access to a personal phone and/or television?

Is the facility kept at a comfortable temperature?

Are there a wide variety of activities that cover a broad spectrum of hobbies and interests?

Are there programs and activities for residents who are bedridden?

Is there a calendar of daily programs posted where it is easily accessible to all residents?

Are residents involved in planning or choosing activities?

Does the facility offer an active volunteer program?

Is there an outdoor area accessible to residents? If yes, is staff available to help residents who want to go outside?

Do residents have a choice of food items at each meal?

Are mealtime atmospheres appropriate and inviting?

Is the facility able to provide for special dietary needs?

Does the meal being served at the time of your visit correlate with the food on the menu?

Is the food served fresh?

Are nutritious options for snacks available when requested?

If a resident requires help at mealtime, are they attended to in a reasonable amount of time?

Are residents allowed to have visitors during mealtimes?

Is there an onsite doctor in the event of an emergency?

Does the facility have a contract with a nearby hospital in case of an emergency?

Do residents receive preventive medical care, including hearing and vision tests?

Are residents able to continue seeing their personal doctor? If yes, does the nursing home arrange transportation for doctor’s visits?

Does the facility have an emergency evacuation plan and do they hold regular fire drills that include bedridden residents?

Are care plan meetings flexible to ensure that family members are able to attend?

If the facility failed to meet any state or federal requirements on its last inspection report, have the deficiencies been corrected?