🖨️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
🎯Daily Care Routines
4 questions to cover
1. What time do residents typically wake up and go to bed?
Why this matters: Knowing the daily schedule helps you understand how your loved one's needs will be accommodated, including medication administration, bathing, and other personal care.
2. How often are residents bathed or assisted with personal hygiene?
Why this matters: Frequent and dignified personal care is essential for health, comfort, and maintaining a sense of independence.
3. What assistance is provided with dressing, grooming, and using the bathroom?
Why this matters: Understanding the level of hands-on help available is crucial, especially for residents who need more support with activities of daily living.
4. How are residents' dietary needs and preferences accommodated?
Why this matters: Proper nutrition is vital, so you'll want to ensure your loved one can access the meals, snacks, and special diets they require.
Additional Notes for Daily Care Routines:
💡Activities and Socialization
4 questions to cover
1. What types of activities and social events are offered for residents?
Why this matters: Staying active, engaged, and connected is important for physical, mental, and emotional well-being in older adults.
2. How often do residents participate in group activities or outings?
Why this matters: Frequent opportunities for socialization and community involvement can prevent isolation and loneliness.
3. Are there scheduled one-on-one activities or individualized programs?
Why this matters: Some residents may need or prefer more personalized attention and activities tailored to their interests and abilities.
4. How are residents encouraged to continue their hobbies and interests?
Why this matters: Maintaining a sense of purpose and engagement in familiar activities can provide comfort and improve quality of life.
Additional Notes for Activities and Socialization:
🔍Staff Support
4 questions to cover
1. What is the staff-to-resident ratio, especially during peak care times?
Why this matters: Adequate staffing is crucial to ensure residents receive the attentive, personalized care they need and deserve.
2. How are staff trained to provide compassionate, person-centered care?
Why this matters: The nursing home's approach to staff training and development impacts the quality of care residents receive day-to-day.
3. What is the process for responding to resident needs or concerns?
Why this matters: It's important to understand how the facility addresses issues or makes adjustments to a resident's care plan as their needs change.
4. How do staff communicate with family members about a resident's care?
Why this matters: Transparent, frequent communication helps family members stay informed and involved in their loved one's well-being.
Additional Notes for Staff Support:
⭐Personalization and Autonomy
4 questions to cover
1. To what extent can residents personalize their living spaces?
Why this matters: The ability to bring familiar belongings and create a personalized living environment can help ease the transition to nursing home life.
2. How are residents' personal preferences and daily routines accommodated?
Why this matters: Maintaining a sense of independence and control over one's daily life is important for a resident's overall happiness and quality of life.
3. What opportunities do residents have to make their own choices about daily activities?
Why this matters: Empowering residents to direct their own care and schedules, when possible, supports their sense of autonomy.
4. How does the facility support residents' spiritual, cultural, or religious practices?
Why this matters: Respecting and facilitating a resident's beliefs and traditions is crucial for their emotional and spiritual well-being.
Additional Notes for Personalization and Autonomy:
📋Health and Safety
4 questions to cover
1. What medical services and therapies are available on-site?
Why this matters: Understanding the scope of healthcare services can help you evaluate whether the nursing home can adequately meet your loved one's clinical needs.
2. How does the facility monitor residents' physical and cognitive changes?
Why this matters: Proactive, comprehensive monitoring allows the staff to quickly identify and address any health issues or declines in functioning.
3. What security measures are in place to keep residents safe and prevent wandering?
Why this matters: Robust safety protocols and assistive technologies are crucial for protecting vulnerable older adults, especially those with memory impairments.
4. How does the facility prepare for emergencies or natural disasters?
Why this matters: Knowing the nursing home's emergency plans can provide peace of mind that your loved one will be cared for and protected in crisis situations.
Additional Notes for Health and Safety:
📊 Summary & Next Steps
Key Concerns Identified:
Follow-up Actions:
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