Checklist for Choosing A Long-Term Care Facility

CHECK ITEMS:

Nursing Needs

Does the resident's personal physician regularly make rounds to this facility? q yes q no

Does this facility specialize in and meet individual nursing needs? q yes q no

Is there a physical therapy room if needed? q yes q no

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Costs and Payment Sources

Is the facility Medicare certified? q yes q no

Is the facility Medicaid certified? q yes q no

If Medicaid is going to be a possible source of payment, do you understand how to qualify and apply for Medicaid benefits? q yes q no

If you don't understand, did you ask the Administrator? q yes q no

Does the facility accept private insurance? q yes q no

Are you aware of what is included in cost of care, room and board? q yes q no

Is there a list of separate charges? q yes q no

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Building and Grounds

Is the facility wheelchair accessible? q yes q no

Are there grab bars in toilet and bathing facilities? q yes q no

Are there handrails on both sides of the hallway? q yes q no

Is the hallway wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass at the same time? q yes q no

Is there a fire safety system and automatic emergency lighting? q yes q no

Are there portable fire extinguishers? q yes q no

Are exit doors unobstructed and unlocked from inside and easily accessible? q yes q no

Are emergency evacuation plans posted in prominent locations? q yes q no

Is there a fire station available to service this facility? q yes q no

Is the facility as clean as you set your personal standards? q yes q no

Is the facility reasonably free of unpleasant odors? q yes q no

Is the facility well lighted? q yes q no

Is the facility convenient for frequent visits from family and friends? q yes q no

Is the building licensed for the level of care being given? q yes q no

Is there a wanderer monitoring system? q yes q no

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Staff's Attitude and Staff Size

Is there quality resident and staff activity in the facility? q yes q no

Is staff courteous to residents and visitors? q yes q no

Does the staff respond quickly to calls for assistance from residents? q yes q no

Are residents well groomed? Do they appear to be happy? q yes q no

Does the staff knock before entering a room? q yes q no

Is there a Registered Nurse on duty during the day and a Licensed Practical nurse on duty 24 hours a day? q yes q no

Does the staff know residents by name? q yes q no

Does the Administrator have a current license? q yes q no

Does it seem that the CNAs are familiar with the needs of the residents they care for? q yes q no

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Tell - Tale Signs

Do residents look to be functioning independently (or with some  q yes q no
staff assistance as needed)?

Does the facility have a posted written description of resident rights and responsibilities? q yes q no

Does the facility have a resident council? (Review Council Minutes) q yes q no

Are Hotline and area nursing home ombudsman telephone numbers posted? q yes q no

Does the social worker appear to be a resident/family advocate? q yes q no

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Activities and Events

Are residents involved in activities sponsored by the facility? q yes q no

Are volunteers involved in facility activities? q yes q no

Is there a private place for residents to meet with family and friends? q yes q no

Are there wide ranges of activities that interest residents? q yes q no

Can residents choose to participate or not participate in facility activities? q yes q no

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Resident Rooms

Are resident bedrooms clean and pleasant? q yes q no

Can residents bring personal items from home (i.e. - a rocking chair, pictures, comforter, etc.) q yes q no

Is there a policy for changing rooms? q yes q no

Will the bed be held if a short hospital stay is needed or required? q yes q no

Is there a charge for holding the bed? q yes q no

Can the resident wear his/her own clothes? q yes q no

Does the facility provide laundry services? q yes q no

Can the family choose to do its family member's laundry? q yes q no

If the facility provides laundry services, are the resident's clothes marked so clothes are not lost or misplaced? q yes q no

Are rooms well ventilated and kept at a comfortable temperature? q yes q no

Are toilet and bathing facilities accessible? q yes q no

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Meals and Nutrition

Does the food look and smell appetizing? q yes q no

Does it taste good? q yes q no

Is assistance provided in eating, if needed? q yes q no

Do meals served match the menu planned for the day? q yes q no

Are there meal substitutes offered to meet the residents’ preferences? q yes q no

Are residents interacting with one another at the dinner table? q yes q no

Is a choice of snacks available? q yes q no

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Inspection Reports

Is the facility licensed by the Department of Public Health? q yes q no

Did you notice any pattern in the Department of Public Health inspection report to suggest concern in caregiving? q yes q no

Does the State report show any patterns regarding concerns in staffing? q yes q no

4.Does the State report show any patterns regarding concerns in ground maintenance? q yes q no

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Health and Happiness Check

Are residents and families involved in developing their own care plans? q yes q no

Does the facility provide services for terminally ill? q yes q no

Are residents able to use their own physician? q yes q no

Is there a resident assessment or care plan designed to meet residents’ needs? q yes q no

Are regularly scheduled care plan meetings being held that actively involve the resident (if able) and family member or guardian? q yes q no

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