Nursing Home Evaluation Checklist
Source: AARP.org | February 1, 2004
Choosing a nursing home for a spouse, parent, or other loved one can be very difficult. Early planning makes the process easier. Try to visit at least three so you can make comparisons. If you possible, ask the loved one who will be living in the nursing home and other family members to visit the nursing homes with you.
Visits allow you to view the care yourself. You can talk to staff, residents, and other families; taste the food and observe the activities. Talk with staff about the kind of care your loved one needs and make sure the home can provide it. Visit at least twice. Make one of the visits unscheduled, during the weekend or evening, when staffing problems will be most obvious.
People in nursing homes who have regular visitors usually get better care. Find a home located where family and friends can visit often. Use your visits to observe carefully. Do not discount your personal feelings.
This checklist will help you choose the right nursing home to meet your needs and will make comparing the facilities a little easier.
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