The following checklist can be used as a reference for evaluation of nursing facilities. Keep in mind, the most important consideration is the individual’s specific needs. You must find a facility that will most benefit the individual.

Checklist

Cleanliness

• Does the facility meet your standards of cleanliness?

  Patient Rights

• Is there a written description of patient rights and responsibilities? Ask for a copy.
• Does the staff protect patient privacy and dignity?
• Is the use of restraints kept to a minimum?
• If restraints are used, is it only after other alternatives have been tried?
• Does the facility have an advance directives policy?

  Care Planning

• Do individuals and families take part in developing their own care plan?
• Does the facility provide services for terminally ill residents and their families?
• Is there an Alzheimer’s disease program at the facility?
• Is there an AIDS program?
• Is a subacute care program available?

  Staff Attitudes

• Does staff show interest in, affection and respect for the individuals?
• Is staff courteous?
• Is there a quick response to patient calls of assistance?
• Is staff respectful and friendly to other staff members?
• Is the administrator available to answer questions, hear complaints or discuss problems and concerns?

  Licensure and Certification

• Do the facility and administrator have a current license issued by the state?
• Is the facility certified to provide Medicare and/or Medi-Cal coverage if the individual needs it?
• Is the latest state survey available for review?
• Does the facility have a formal quality-assurance program?

  Location

• Is the facility conveniently located for frequent visits from family and friends?
• Is the facility located near a hospital?
• Is the facility conveniently located for the individual’s physician(s)?

  Costs

• Does the basic daily charge cover all the services needed by the individual?
• Is there an available list of specific services not covered by the daily charge?
• If the individual leaves the facility, are the advance payments returned?

  Medical

• Is a physician available in an emergency?
• Are personal physicians allowed to treat individuals?
• Does the facility report to the individual’s physician?
• Is regular medical attention guaranteed?
• Are care plans and medical records kept?
• Are individuals and families involved in treatment plans?
• Is confidentiality of medical record guaranteed?
• Are a variety of medical services (dentists, podiatrists, optometrists) available?
• In an emergency, will the individual’s personal physician be notified?

  Hospitalization

• Does the facility have an arrangement with a nearby hospital?
• Is emergency transportation available?
• Are accommodations made to hold a resident’s bed if that person is hospitalized?

  Pharmacy

• Are routine and emergency drugs available?
• Does a pharmacist review individual drug treatment plans?
• Is a pharmacist available for individuals and staff?

  Therapy Program

• Is a physical therapy program available under the supervision of a qualified physical therapist?
• Are speech therapy and occupational therapy available?

  Activities Program

• Are individual preferences observed?
• Are group and individual activities available?
• Is participation encouraged?
• Are the individuals involved in their surrounding community?
• Does the facility have volunteers working with the residents?
• Are offsite trips planned?

  Social Services

• Is a social worker available to assist individuals and families?

  Accident Prevention

• Is the facility well lit?
• Is the facility free of clutter and hazards?
• Are chairs sturdy and stable?
• Are warning signs posted on freshly waxed or wet floors?
• Are handrails and grab bars installed in the hallways and bathrooms?

  Fire Safety

• Is the facility compliant with state and federal codes?
• Are exits unobstructed and clearly marked?
• Are emergency evacuation plans posted with floor plans throughout the facility?
• Does the facility conduct fire drills?
• Are exits unlocked from the inside?
• Are doors to stairways kept closed?

  Bedrooms

• Do the bedrooms open onto the hallway?
• Does each of the resident rooms have a window?
• Are bedrooms limited to four beds?
• Does each bed have a privacy curtain?
• Is each bed equipped with a nurse call bell?
• Is fresh drinking water available next to each bed?
• Is there at least one comfortable, sturdy chair per resident?
• Is each individual provided a separate clothes closet or set of drawers?
• Are the bedrooms wheelchair-accessible?
• Is care used in roommate selection?
• Is each bed easily accessible?
• Are residents encouraged to decorate rooms with personal items?

  Lobby

• Is there a welcoming atmosphere?
• Is the furniture attractive and comfortable?
• Is the activities schedule posted on a bulletin board?
• Are the facility certificates and licenses on display?

  Hallways

• Are the halls wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass easily?
• Are handrails installed in the halls?
• Are the halls well lit?

  Dining Room

• Is the dining area clean, attractive and inviting?
• Are tables convenient for wheelchairs?
• Is food tasty and appealing to the eye?
• Is there adequate time to eat meals?
• Do the meals match the posted menu?
• Is help given to the residents who need it?

  Kitchen

• Is the food preparation area separated from the dishwashing and garbage areas?
• Is food requiring refrigeration properly stored?
• Do the kitchen workers observe sanitation rules?

  Activity Rooms

• Are rooms available for resident activities?
• Does the facility provide activity equipment, such as games, easels, yarn or a kiln?
• Is the equipment being used by residents?

  Special Purpose Room

• Are rooms set aside for therapy or physical examinations?
• Are rooms available for private visits with family and friends?

  Isolation Room

• Does the facility provide at least one bed and bathroom for patients with contagious illness?

  Toilet Facilities

• Are toilets convenient to bedrooms?
• Are they wheelchair accessible?
• Are nurse call bells located near each toilet?
• Are hand grips installed near each toilet?
• Are bathtubs and showers equipped with non-slip surfaces and hand grips?

  Grounds

• Are the grounds accessible to handicapped individuals?
• Does the facility provide outdoor furniture for residents and visitors?
• Are walkways clear and free of hazardous objects?
• Is parking adequate for visitors?

  Religious Observances

• Does the facility make arrangements for patients to worship as they please?

  Food

• Does a dietitian plan menus for residents requiring special diets?
• Are personal likes and dislikes considered?
• Does the menu vary from meal to meal?
• Is there adequate time to eat each meal?
• Does the facility provide snacks?
• Is food delivered to individuals unable to eat in the dining room?
• Are warm meals served warm?
• Is help given to the residents who need it?

  Grooming

• Is assistance available for bathing and grooming?
• Are barbers or beauticians available?
• Does the facility provide basic laundry service?

Your Part
If you are selecting a care facility for a loved one, are you:

• Involving the individual in the decisions?
• Ready to ease the individual’s transition to the facility by being with her/him during admission as well as staying several hours getting her/him settled?
• Prepared to visit the patient often and encourage others to do the same?