10 Questions to Ask When Visiting a Nursing Home
There are around 15,300 nursing homes in the US, with 70.3% run for profit. Choosing a nursing
home for a loved one is a big decision, as 24.3% of family members of nursing home residents report
some kind of physical abuse. If you suspect mistreatment, an elderly neglect attorney can help
protect your loved one's rights.
Visiting potential nursing homes in person and asking the right questions can help you find the best
fit. Here are 10 important questions to ask when visiting a nursing home:
Staff-to-Resident Ratio
What is the typical staff-to-resident ratio at the nursing home? A higher staff-to-resident ratio
indicates more individualized care and attention for each resident. Look for a ratio of around 1 staff
member for every 5-7 residents.
Types of Staff in Nursing Homes
What types of staff work at the facility? Look for sufficient medical staff like registered nurses,
licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, doctors, physical therapists, occupational
therapists, speech therapists, and social workers. High quality facilities have specialized dementia
care units with staff trained in dementia care; most homes have 31%-80% of dementia residents, but
some have less than 10%.
Staff Training and Credentials
Are staff properly trained and certified? Nursing home staff should complete regular training on
topics like infection control, residents' rights, and dementia care. Ask about the credentials of
medical staff as well.
Specialties and Services
What specialties and services does the nursing home offer? Look for specialties like dementia care,
rehabilitation services, wound care, and palliative care. Also, ask about services like transportation,
social activities, religious services, therapy animals, fitness programs, dietary options, etc.
Medications and Treatments
How does the nursing home manage residents' medications and treatments? Look for detailed
medication management procedures and staffing to ensure medications are given properly. Also, ask
how they coordinate medical care and handle new treatment orders from doctors.
Safety and Emergency Plans
What safety and emergency protocols are in place? The facility should have plans for fires, natural
disasters, disease outbreaks, missing residents, medical emergencies, power outages, and more.
Make sure regular safety drills are done.
Cleanliness and Infection Control
How does the nursing home maintain cleanliness and prevent infections? Facilities should follow
infection control protocols for hand washing, sanitizing equipment, isolation precautions, and more.
Areas should appear clean, smell fresh, and be free of clutter during your visit.
Menus and Meals
What are the menus and meal options? Meals should be tasty, nutritious, and accommodate special
diets. Ask to see a sample menu. Are snacks available between meals? Can residents dine
communally or in their rooms? Is mealtime assistance provided if needed?
Activities and Amenities
What activities, programs, and amenities are offered? Look for a robust schedule of activities like
exercise classes, arts and crafts, games, live music, day trips, gardening, movies nights, etc. Also, ask
about amenities like a library, computer lab, cafe, beauty salon, therapy pets, outdoor spaces, etc.
Feedback and Inspections
What do other residents and families say about the facility? Ask to speak with current residents and
family members to get their feedback. Also, check the facility's inspection reports to see if they have
a clean record with no major deficiencies in recent years.
If you subsequently discover that the nursing home you chose is a bad fit and your elderly relative
has been abused, contact a local nursing home abuse attorney.
With these key questions in mind, you can find the nursing home that offers the right environment,
care, and peace of mind for you and your loved one.
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Thank you for dropping by! I would love to hear what you thought. :)
Thanks!
♥,
Diana