Nursing Home Checklist

Use the following checklist to heighten your awareness of what to look for as you assess various nursing homes. Although there are many more questions and insights you have personally, this is merely a guideline to assist with your initial tour and information gathering. It is also critical to review and compare the different services available and whether additional charges are incurred or if monthly fees includes the service.

Facility	Yes	No	N/A

Are there handrails along the walls?

Are the doorways wheelchair accessible?

Are there safety precautions to prevent falling down the stairs?

Is the floor kept dry and free of litter?

In case of fire, can the facility be easily evacuated?

Are fire extinguishers easy to locate?

Does the facility appear clean?

Are there lingering odors?

Do the faucets, call buttons, telephones, and television sets work?

Are heating and cooling systems adequate?
Staff & Care	Yes	No	N/A

Is the atmosphere pleasant? Does staff genuinely enjoy working with the residents?

Are residents treated as individuals?

Does the staff appear interested in the residents?

Is staff interested in speaking to visitor or residents?

Are your questions answered clearly, frankly, and in sufficient depth?

Do any other residents have similar conditions?

Are residents clean and adequately dressed?

Are the rights of the residents clearly posted?

Is the food hot, attractive, and tasty?

Are special diets available? What kinds?

Do the residents have drinking water available?

Are planned and varied recreational activities available?

Do the listed activities seem interesting and appropriate?

Do most of the people at an activity program seem to be participating?

Are religious services held weekly?
Administration	Yes	No	N/A

Is the facility in good standing with the state inspectors?

Are fees competitive?

Have fees increased significantly in the past few years?

Is the fee structure easy to understand and reasonable?

Does the institution readily reveal which services are covered in the quoted fee and which services are extra?

Is Medicaid accepted?

Is Medicare accepted?

Are the billing and accounting procedures understandable and acceptable?

Is transportation of patients provided?

Does a resident advisory council exist?

Are visiting hours reasonable?

Do the charge nurses, social workers, department heads, and top-level administrators have geriatric experience and/or education?

Are rehabilitative and therapeutic services available?

Are social work or mental health services available?

Are community organizations involved?