While touring a facility, focus your attention on the residents rather than the staff members.

Make observations about the following:

1. Do the residents appear to be clean? Are their fingernails well-groomed? Hair combed or styled? Have the male residents been shaved?

2. Are the residents dressed appropriately for comfort and warmth?

3. Does the staff appear to interact appropriately with the residents? Do the residents appear to be happy?

4. Does the staff appear to respond to residents or call lights in a timely manner? Are they assisting residents who are verbally asking for or physically reaching out for help?

5. Do the residents appear to be engaged in activities, either alone or in groups? Does the main, common area of the nursing home appear to be warm and inviting (homelike) for residents and visitors?

Questions to Ask:

1. Does the nursing home encourage family members to participate in the resident’s care?

• Will you be able to inform staff members about the resident’s personal preferences? Is the home flexible about meals, sleep and nap schedules, and other preferences related to personal care?
• Does the nursing home have set visitation hours? What are they?
• What types of personal belongings can the resident bring from home? Is a favorite chair or other small piece of furniture allowed?
• How often does the nursing home conduct “care plan” conferences? Will the nursing home be flexible about the dates and times of scheduling these conferences so that you may attend?
• Does the home have a Resident Council or Family Council which allows the residents and their family members to discuss concerns regarding different aspects of the facility?
• What procedures does the nursing home have to address concerns of the resident or the resident’s family? Is there a formal grievance procedure?

2. How does the facility ensure that each resident receives the appropriate services?

• How many nurses’ assistants are typically scheduled to work each shift? How many nurses? Will the resident have the same nursing assistant and nurse most days?
• Does the facility provide access to dental care and “specialty” physicians, such as podiatrists, psychologists, etc.? Does the facility provide transportation to any appointments outside of the facility?
• How often will the resident been seen by a physician? Who is the “in-house” physician for the facility?
• Who is the Administrator of the facility? How long has he/she held that position? Have there been recent changes in ownership of the facility?
• How does the nursing home ensure that the facility is fully staffed at all times in the event of “call-offs” due to illness or other reasons?
• Does the facility provide physical therapy? Other types of therapy?
• Does the facility employ an “in-house” Registered Dietician? Does the facility provide substitutes at meals? Is the resident able to express “likes” and “dislikes” regarding food? Are snacks, juices and water offered to residents between meals?
• Will the resident be encouraged to attend activities in the facility? What types of activities are offered? Does the facility provide activities outside of the facility for those residents who are able to go?
• Is a telephone available to allow residents to speak with family members or friends?

3. Ask other residents or family members of residents about their experiences with the nursing home.

• Have they had specific concerns in the past? If so, did the nursing home address their concerns in a timely manner?
• Has the resident had any missing clothing or other possessions?
• Does the home appear to have enough help?
• Overall, is the resident or family pleased with the services provided by the facility?