20 Questions to Ask When Touring a Nursing Home

Here are some key questions you can ask when touring a nursing home:

1. Are there meaningful things for my (mom/dad) to do during the day?
2. Is the environment home-like?
3. Is staff specially trained in dementia care?
4. How would staff meet the unique needs of my (mom/dad) and (his/her) lifetime habits and preferences?
5. Do families participate in developing the plan of care?
6. Are there activities on the weekends or during the evenings?
7. Are there safe areas to walk (or wander) within the home?
8. Are there opportunities to be outdoors in good weather?
9. Does the food look appetizing?
10. Are there environmental distractions during mealtime (noisy TV, etc.)?
11. Can family and friends join him/her at mealtimes?
12. How often are snacks available?
13. What is in place to manage nutrition if my (mom/dad) won't eat a meal?
14. Will staff provide appropriate assistance based on my (mom's/dad's) abilities?
15. Are family and friends able to participate in care?
16. What are visiting hours?
17. Can I call and talk with my (mom/dad) during the day?
18. What special services are available? (Beautician; Occupational, Speech or Physical Therapy; transportation to/from medical appointments, etc.)
19. How do you inform families of changes in condition or care needs?
20. What is the discharge policy? What kinds of situations or conditions would lead to a discharge from the facility?

Ask for recent state inspection survey results.  Administrators are required to provide this information if asked. Several things are important to note:

• The report should be dated within the last 9 - 15 months.
• Compare the number of deficiencies cited to the state average.
• If the facility has received a citation in a particular service area, be sure to ask questions about this area.
• Beware of choosing a facility with a very high number of deficiencies compared to other facilities in the area and the state average. You can also go to the Nursing Home Compare Web site to learn how it compares to the national average at www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/Home. This website gives detailed information about past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country.
• Consider have your Sollievo advisor go with you to review the nursing home or assisted living residence.
• Did you know that we're also available to provide training and assistance to the nursing staff when your parent is placed. We'll help make the first few weeks a smooth transition and we'll help the center get to know all of your family. 
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  AHCA Data: Click here.
  
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