But, during your "evaluation make a list of things to look for and question's to ask"?
1.Take time to visit surrounding nursing homes in your area.
2.Check for cleanliness and smells for any odor or urine.
3. Walk the nursing home and be aware of the patients and visit with the residents.
4. At mealtime: observe the interaction among the residents and with staff.
5. Taste the food & check the posted menu's.
6. At night: find out how many staff are on duty and how well they handle situations that occur at night.
7. Find out when the doctor makes his rounds.
{The doctor's attitude and level of concerns can be very important clues to the quality of medical care your family member would receive if and when they needed it}.
8. Do residents appear sedated?
9. Are residents restrained in any way?
10. Are the halls lined with residents who appear unatended to or neglected?
11. Are the people comfortably dressed?
12. Do the staff appear to care about the residents or is it just an 8-hour-a-day job?
13. What is the attitude of the aides and nurses on duty?
14. How attentive and responsive are the staff to the residents?
15. How open is the staff to conversation and interaction or do they appear as if they are hiding something anad eager for you to leave?
16. What is the level and quality of interactin with the residents?
17. How do staff handle particularly difficult situations {with patience and concern for the resident or impatiently and even roughness}?
18. How many registered nurses {RNS} do they have on duty?
{How does this compare to the number of residents}?
19. Check out their policies. {Are their any limitations to when you can visit your loved one}?
20. What kind of training does the staff receive?
21. How are people handled?
22. What activities are available for residents?
23. What are staff turn-over rates?
24. Request copy of state nursing home surveys?
{Surveys are public record, you are free to look at them if you visit any facility}.
25. Check out the cost for a private room?
{This is something the family will have to come together on to help pay for, so that your parent or loved one has privacy}.
