Checklist: What to Look for in a Nursing Home

Source: AARP Bulletin Today | May 28, 2004

• Visit a facility on different days and at various times, including mealtimes, taking note of nursing staff levels.

• Talk to members of the nursing staff about how long they and others have worked there.

• Ask the nursing home administrators about staff-to-resident ratios.

• Get a copy of the most recent state survey of the facility to learn if it has been cited for deficiencies.

• Ask if a facility has a plan of care for each resident and if it is revised continually.

For a free copy of AARP's "Solving Nursing Home Problems: A Guide for Families" (D17065), send a request to AARP Fulfillment, EE01522, 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049. Include the publication title, stock number and your mailing address.

Also, visit AARP.org's section on nursing homes.

To find the phone number of your state or local long-term care ombudsman program, use the U.S. Administration on Aging's online Eldercare Locator or call (800) 677-1116.

The National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform has information on advocacy groups in your state. You can also order two publications at their website:

• " Nursing Homes: Getting Good Care There " and
• " Where Do I Go From Here? A Guide for Nursing Home Residents, Families & Friends on Consulting an Attorney. "