Checklist: What to Look for in a Nursing Home
By: Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: 2004-05-28 14:25:00-04:00
• 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. "
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