Locate a Health Care Center

A simple guide to help you make an informed decision about nursing home care.

How To Use This Guide:

As you enter and go through the building, you will want answers to these questions.  Some will be answered by your observations while others will require you to ask someone in the Nursing Home.

If you ask a question and the person tries not to answer it or gives unsure answers, continue to ask.  If you are not hearing good, solid, honest responses, you may want to seek care elsewhere.
 

THE BUILDING:

1.  Is the center odor free?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

2.  Is the atmosphere friendly and pleasant?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

3.  Are there attractive lounges available?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

4.  Are there safe, comfortable outside recreation areas for resident use?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

THE NURSING HOME STAFF:

1.  Is the staff courteous and respectful to the residents?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

2.  Was the person you talked with knowledgeable and helpful?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

3.  Were you introduced to other staff members?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

4.  Was the tour guide friendly with staff members and residents during the tour?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

THE RESIDENTS:

1.  Do the residents appear to be happy?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

2.  May family and friends visit at any time?  Yes or No 

Comments: 
 

3.  May the resident rooms be furnished with personal belongings?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

4.  Is there an active resident’s council?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

5.  Are there activities available for residents?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

THE DINING ROOM:

1.  Is the dining room clean and pleasant in appearance?  Yes or No 

Comments: 

 

2.  What type of service is it - cafeteria style or restaurant style dining?

Comments:

 

3.  What type of food is served?  Ask for a sample meal - if possible.

Comments:
 

SERVICES:

1.  Is the center Medicare, Medicaid, and Insurance qualified?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

2.  Is there assistance available in applying for financial assistance?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

3.  Are therapy programs available?  Yes or No

Comments:

 

4.  Does the center offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and outpatient therapy?  Yes or No

Comments:

 

5.  Ask to see the therapy gym, speak with a therapist? 

Comments:

 

6.  Were the safety features in the center explained?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

7.  Will they assist you with providing physicians and other medical needs?  Yes or No

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8.  Is there a beautician or barber available in the center?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

9.  Were you given a complete and unhurried tour?  Yes or No

Comments: 
 

10.  Were you given a brochure and other information?  Yes or No

Comments: