The following checklist can be used as a reference for evaluation of nursing facilities. The most important consideration is locating a facility that will most benefit the individual and their specific needs. 

If you need to find a skilled nursing facility immediately, review our new guide Next Steps in your Care.

CHECKLIST

Cleanliness

• Does the facility meet your standards of cleanliness?
  
  

Patient Rights

• Is there a written description of patient rights and responsibilities? Ask for a copy.

• Does the staff protect patient privacy and dignity?

• Does the facility have an advance directives policy?
  
  

Care Planning

• Do individuals and families take part in developing their own care plan?

• Does the facility provide services for terminally ill residents and their families?
  

• Is there an Alzheimer’s disease program at the facility?

• Is there an AIDS program?

• Is a subacute care program available?

Staff Attitudes

• Does staff show interest and respect for the individuals?

• Is staff courteous?

• Is there a quick response to patient calls of assistance?

• Is staff respectful and friendly to other staff members?

• Is the administrator available to answer questions, hear complaints or discuss problems and concerns?

Licensure and Certification

• Do the facility and administrator have a current license issued by the state?

• Is the facility certified to provide Medicare and/or Medi-Cal coverage if the individual needs it?

• Is the latest state survey available for review?

• Does the facility have a formal quality-assurance program?

Location

• Is the facility conveniently located for frequent visits from family and friends?

• Is the facility located near a hospital?

• Is the facility conveniently located for the individual’s physician(s)?

Costs

• Does the basic daily charge cover all the services needed by the individual?

• Is there an available list of specific services not covered by the daily charge?

• If the individual leaves the facility, are the advance payments returned?

Medical

• Is a physician available in an emergency?

• Are personal physicians allowed to treat individuals?

• Does the facility report to the individual’s physician?

• Is regular medical attention guaranteed?

• Are care plans and medical records kept?  

• Do your C.N.A.’s care for the same group of residents each time they work or do you rotate the assignment?

• Are individuals and families involved in treatment plans?

• Is confidentiality of medical record guaranteed?

• Are a variety of medical services (dentists, podiatrists, optometrists) available?

• In an emergency, will the individual’s personal physician be notified?

• Do you use agency nurses?
  
  

Hospitalization

• Does the facility have an arrangement with a nearby hospital?

• Is emergency transportation available?

• Are accommodations made to hold a resident’s bed if that person is hospitalized?

Pharmacy

• Are routine and emergency drugs available?

• Does a pharmacist review individual drug treatment plans?

• Is a pharmacist available for individuals and staff?

Therapy Program

• Is a physical therapy program available under the supervision of a qualified physical therapist?

• Are speech therapy and occupational therapy available?

Activities Program

• Are individual preferences observed?

• Are group and individual activities available?

• Is participation encouraged?

• Are the individuals involved in their surrounding community?

• Does the facility have volunteers working with the residents?

• Are offsite trips planned?

Social Services

• Is a social worker available to assist individuals and families?

Accident Prevention

• Is the facility well lit?

• Is the facility free of clutter and hazards?

• Are chairs sturdy and stable?

• Are warning signs posted on freshly waxed or wet floors?

• Are handrails and grab bars installed in the hallways and bathrooms?

Fire Safety

• Is the facility compliant with state and federal codes?

• Are exits unobstructed and clearly marked?

• Are emergency evacuation plans posted with floor plans throughout the facility?

• Does the facility conduct fire drills?

• Are exits unlocked from the inside?

• Are doors to stairways kept closed?

Bedrooms

• Do the bedrooms open onto the hallway?

• Does each of the resident rooms have a window?

• Are bedrooms limited to four beds?

• Does each bed have a privacy curtain?

• Is each bed equipped with a nurse call bell?

• Is fresh drinking water available next to each bed?

• Is there at least one comfortable, sturdy chair per resident?

• Is each individual provided a separate clothes closet or set of drawers?

• Are the bedrooms wheelchair-accessible?

• Is care used in roommate selection?

• Is each bed easily accessible?

• Are residents encouraged to decorate rooms with personal items?

• Can my loved one be wakened in the morning according to their lifelong routine?
  
  

Lobby

• Is there a welcoming atmosphere?

• Is the furniture attractive and comfortable?

• Is the activities schedule posted on a bulletin board?

• Are the facility certificates and licenses on display?

Hallways

• Are the halls wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass easily?

• Are handrails installed in the halls?

• Are the halls well lit?

Dining Room

• Is the dining area clean, attractive and inviting?

• Are tables convenient for wheelchairs?

• Is food tasty and appealing to the eye?

• Is there adequate time to eat meals?

• Do the meals match the posted menu?

• Is help given to the residents who need it?
  
  

Kitchen

• Is the food preparation area separated from the dish washing and garbage areas?

• Is food requiring refrigeration properly stored?

• Do the kitchen workers observe sanitation rules?

Activity Rooms

• Are rooms available for resident activities?

• Does the facility provide activity equipment, such as games, easels, yarn or a kiln?

• Is the equipment being used by residents?

Special Purpose Room

• Are rooms set aside for therapy or physical examinations?

• Are rooms available for private visits with family and friends?

Isolation Room

• Does the facility provide at least one bed and bathroom for patients with contagious illness?

Toilet Facilities

• Are toilets convenient to bedrooms?

• Are they wheelchair accessible?

• Are nurse call bells located near each toilet?

• Are hand grips installed near each toilet?

• Are bathtubs and showers equipped with non-slip surfaces and hand grips?

Grounds

• Are the grounds accessible to handicapped individuals?

• Does the facility provide outdoor furniture for residents and visitors?

• Are walkways clear and free of hazardous objects?

• Is parking adequate for visitors?

Religious Observances

• Does the facility make arrangements for patients to worship as they please?

Food

• Does a dietitian plan menus for residents requiring special diets?

• Are personal likes and dislikes considered?

• Does the menu vary from meal to meal?

• Is there adequate time to eat each meal?

• Does the facility provide snacks?

• Is food delivered to individuals unable to eat in the dining room?

• Are warm meals served warm?

• Is help given to the residents who need it?

• Do you offer alternatives if a resident does not prefer the main entrée?
  

Grooming

• Is assistance available for bathing and grooming?

• Are barbers or beauticians available?

• Does the facility provide basic laundry service?

Your Part
If you are selecting a care facility for a loved one, are you:

• Involving the individual in the decisions?

• Ready to ease the individual’s transition to the facility by being with her/him during admission as well as staying several hours getting her/him settled?

• Prepared to visit the patient often and encourage others to do the same?