What to Ask the Nursing Home Administrator When Searching For a Nursing Home
Searching for a nursing home for your loved one can be daunting. You want to find a place he or she will enjoy as well one where he or she will receive the proper care. One way to ensure this is to interview the Nursing Home Administrator of each of the potential facilities you visit.
The following is a list of pertinent questions you should ask the Administrator:
1. Are you readily available to family members?
2. How often are you on-site at the facility?
3. Ask to see the most recent state survey if it is a Medicaid or Medicare financed facility. Check for deficiencies. Also ask for previous surveys to check for deficiencies.
4. Is the home licensed?
5. Are you licensed?
6. Do all staff members undergo background checks?
7. Do all staff members undergo abuse prevention training?
8. Do you screen staff members for a history of abuse?
9. What is the Registered Nurse (RN) to resident ratio?
10. What is the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to resident ratio?
11. What is the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to resident ratio?
12. What is the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to resident ratio?
13. How many hours per day do staff members spend with residents?
14. If I have a complaint about a staff member in the future, what is the procedure?
15. Do you have special service units available?
16. Do you have isolation rooms available in the event of a sick resident who is contagious?
17. Do you offer either religious services or transport to religious services?
18. Ask to see a resident activity list and/or activity schedule.
19. Ask to try the food, or at least to see the kitchens and prepared food.
20. Can residents continue to see their personal physician?
21. Do residents have the same nursing staff daily?
22. Are residents routinely weighed?
23. How are emergency situations handled?
24. Which hospital do residents get taken to in the event of an emergency?
25. Who is involved with deciding to place a resident in physical restraints?
26. What steps are taken for residents with behavioral symptoms, like verbal or physical aggression?