🖨️How to Use This Checklist
• First: Download the PDF using the "Download PDF Checklist" button above
• Print the downloaded PDF for best formatting and page breaks
• Check off questions as you ask them or get answers
• Use the notes section to record important responses
• Bring this printed checklist to meetings with providers
• Keep completed checklists for future reference
🎯Facility Overview
4 questions to cover
1. What is the overall rating and inspection history of the nursing home?
Why this matters: The facility's star rating and inspection reports from regulatory agencies can reveal important insights about quality of care, safety, and compliance.
2. What types of care and services does the nursing home provide?
Why this matters: Understand the full range of medical, therapeutic, and lifestyle services offered to ensure they meet your loved one's needs.
3. What is the staff-to-resident ratio, and what are the staff's qualifications?
Why this matters: Adequate, well-trained staffing is crucial for providing attentive, high-quality care. Understanding these ratios can help evaluate the facility's capabilities.
4. What security measures are in place to keep residents safe?
Why this matters: Safety and security features like security cameras, door alarms, and secure outdoor areas are important, especially for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's.
Additional Notes for Facility Overview:
💡Resident Experience
4 questions to cover
1. What are the daily schedules, activities, and lifestyle options for residents?
Why this matters: A vibrant activity schedule and lifestyle options that keep residents engaged and stimulated are signs of a high-quality nursing home.
2. How do staff communicate with residents and families?
Why this matters: Open, transparent communication between staff, residents, and families is critical for maintaining trust and ensuring the best possible care.
3. What are the visiting hours and policies for family members?
Why this matters: Flexible visiting policies that accommodate family schedules help maintain important social connections for residents.
4. How does the facility handle complaints and address resident concerns?
Why this matters: Understanding the facility's complaint resolution process can give insight into how well they respond to and advocate for resident needs.
Additional Notes for Resident Experience:
🔍Care Quality
4 questions to cover
1. What medical services and therapies are available on-site?
Why this matters: On-site access to medical care, rehabilitation, and other therapies can improve resident outcomes and quality of life.
2. How does the facility prevent and manage common issues like pressure sores and infections?
Why this matters: Asking about the facility's protocols for preventing and treating common care issues can reveal their commitment to resident health and safety.
3. What is the facility's approach to managing challenging behaviors like agitation or wandering?
Why this matters: Understanding how the nursing home supports residents with dementia or other behavioral health needs is essential, especially for those with memory-related conditions.
4. What is the facility's policy regarding the use of restraints and psychoactive medications?
Why this matters: Limiting the use of restraints and psychoactive drugs is an important indicator of a resident-centered, harm-reduction approach to care.
Additional Notes for Care Quality:
⭐Costs and Billing
4 questions to cover
1. What are the daily or monthly rates, and what do they cover?
Why this matters: Detailed information about base rates, as well as any additional fees for specialized services, is crucial for understanding the full financial commitment.
2. What insurance plans or financial assistance programs does the facility accept?
Why this matters: Knowing which payment options the facility accepts can help determine if it's the right fit for your family's financial situation.
3. Are there any hidden fees or unexpected costs I should be aware of?
Why this matters: Asking about potential additional charges, such as for supplies, transportation, or activities, can help you budget accurately.
4. What is the process for handling billing disputes or changes in care needs?
Why this matters: Understanding the facility's billing policies and procedures for addressing changing care requirements can help avoid surprises down the line.
Additional Notes for Costs and Billing:
📋Personal Considerations
3 questions to cover
1. Does the facility accommodate specific cultural, religious, or dietary needs?
Why this matters: Ensuring the nursing home can meet your loved one's personal preferences and requirements is important for their overall comfort and well-being.
2. Can residents have personal items, furniture, or decor in their rooms?
Why this matters: The ability to personalize living spaces can make the transition to a nursing home feel less institutional and more like home.
3. What is the process for transitioning a new resident into the facility?
Why this matters: A thoughtful, supportive onboarding process can help ease the adjustment and make your loved one feel welcome and cared for.
Additional Notes for Personal Considerations:
📊 Summary & Next Steps
Key Concerns Identified:
Follow-up Actions:
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