Choosing Long Term Care
Long Term Care Checklist
Choosing a long-term care facility can be a difficult decision. This checklist has been created to assist you when visiting and interviewing long-term care facilities.
First Impressions
- Is the facility located in a convenient location?
- Does the facility have convenient and accessible parking for visitors?
- Does the facility have a clean/well maintained appearance inside and out?
- Does the facility have an open visitation policy?
- Is the staff friendly?
- Is the floor plan well designed and easy to navigate?
- Are floors/areas divided by medical/mental needs?
- Number of private and semi-private rooms offered.
- Are elevators available for those unable to use stairs?
- Do the halls have handrails to aid walking?
- Is the residence clean, free of odors and appropriately cooled/heated?
- Does the facility offer comfortable/attractive common areas?
- May residents decorate their own rooms?
- Do rooms offer adequate space and storage?
- Are bathrooms private and handicapped accommodations?
- Is there an outside courtyard or patio for residents and visitors?
- How is the initial needs assessment handled?
- Does each resident receive a written care plan? Is there an ongoing review of the plan?
- What type of insurance is required/accepted?
- What are the specific costs of services provided for skilled/intermediate?
- What additional services are available if the resident's needs change?
- What healthcare and personal care services are available?
- Are physical, occupational and speech therapy services available on site?
- Is staff available to provide 24 hour assistance with activities of daily living?
- Does the facility offer services/program for dementia?
- Are barber/beautician services available on site?
- How are medications managed?
- What kinds of group/individual activities are offered?
- Is there an organized activities program?
- Do volunteers/family members come to the facility to assist with programs?
- Does the facility have certified activity directors?
- Are the activities appropriate and desirable to the residents?
- Are religious services offered on site? Are they available to all denominations?
- Are their regularly scheduled exercise classes?
- Does the facility provide nutritious meals three times a day, seven days a week?
- Can the facility accommodate special dietary needs?
- Are the staff members qualified to assist residents needing a feeding tube?
- Do residents appear to receive assistance eating when needed and an appropriate amount of time to complete their meal?
- Do the dining areas encourage residents to relax, socialize and enjoy their meal?
- Are visitors allowed to dine with residents? Is there an additional fee for visitors?
- Is the facility Medicare certified and/or Medicaid certified?
- Is this a skilled nursing facility and are skilled beds available?
- Does the facility offer a resident council?
- What is the facility's reputation in the community? How long has it been operating?
- Has the facility corrected any Quality of Care deficiencies in their State inspection?
- Is the administrator licensed/certified?
- Does the facility provide ample security and emergency exits?
- How often does the facility conduct safety drills?
- What form of protection does the facility offer for residents who may wander or fall?