Research the different nursing care facilities in your community. Discuss the pros and cons of the facility in terms of what they offer. Provide a brief report with the following questions:
hat is the basic rate for room, board, and services (itàa good idea to get this information in writing)?
hat services are covered by this rate?
re there other services available and how much do they cost?
hat are the payment policies?
hat is the refund policy if someone leaves before the end of a month?
hat is the policy for rate increases?
ow long has the current administration been in place?
s there enough staff available to meet my needs?
s there frequent staff turnover?
s some level of nursing care provided (RN, LPN, Nursing
ssistant)? How often is it available?
ho will help me with medications if I need it (e.g. reminding me to take them, opening the bottle)?
an someone administer medications to me if I can take them myself (e.g. applying medication to my skin, putting a pill in my mouth)?
an someone help me if I need special care (e.g. caring for a wound)?
hat happens if I have an emergency? Can I get help right away?
re staffs suitably dressed, personable, and outgoing?
o the staff members treat residents with respect and dignity?
o staff members treat each other in a professional manner?
hat language does most of the staff speak?
hat type of help with personal care is available (e.g. bathing, dressing)?
ow flexible is the schedule for receiving help with personal care?
hat, if any, transportation services are available? (e.g. medical appointments, shopping, religious services).
ill staff arrange for activities (e.g. hair appointment, concert)?
ow does the home support and accommodate personal hobbies?
re there regularly planned activities that I will enjoy?
ill I be able to attend religious services of my choice?
an I bring my pet with me when I move?
hen can I have visitors?
re there shops, a library, a park, or other amenities within walking distance?
s the home close to activities I enjoy?
s the home on a bus line?
s there an outside area to sit, walk, or garden?
re there shops, a library, a park, or other amenities within walking distance?
s the home close to activities I enjoy?
s the home on a bus line?
s there an outside area to sit, walk, or garden?
s the floor plan easy to follow?
re doorways, hallways, and rooms accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers?
re there hand rails to help with walking and in the bathroom?
re cupboards and shelves easy to reach?
re there nonskid floors and firm carpets to assist walking?
oes the home have good natural and artificial lighting?
s the home clean, free of odors, and well heated and cooled?
oes the home meet my standards of cleanliness?
s the home free from obvious environmental hazards?
re the homeàrooms clean, safe, and adequate for my needs?
ill I have free use of common areas, such as the kitchen, activity rooms, toilet facilities, dining room, or grounds?
an I smoke in my room or in common areas?
hat furniture is provided?
an I bring along some of my furniture or other personal items?
an I adjust the temperature of my room?
s there a sit-down shower?
an I have my own personal phone line or internet connection?
re emergency procedures clearly posted?
m I able to lock my room and/or are there locked areas in each room for personal valuables?
s the food pleasing, nutritious, adequate, and attractively served?
hat if I don like what is being served?
an I cook in my room?
re snacks available?
re there specific meal times or are they flexible?
s there a refrigerator available to store my personal food?
ill the home meet my dietary or cultural food preferences?
an I request special foods?
o other residents socialize with each other and appear happy and comfortable?
o residents speak favorably of the facility?
o the residents look like people I want to live with?
ow are room changes and roommate concerns addressed?
s there a resident group that meets?
o any of the other residents have a history of violent or other problem behaviors? How are these situations handled by staff?
