How to Select a Facility
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 an 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?
|
