NURSING HOME QUICK TIPS LIST
NURSING HOME QUICK TIPS LIST
The Quick Tips List was developed to give a
quick indication of what to look for when touring
a nursing home. Just use your senses (Look,
Listen, Smell and Taste) for each category of
questions and you will be able to determine
whether a facility has high standards. Higher
standards are the key to better the care. Don’t
accept excuses from the nursing home you are
considering.
1. Facility. Look for cleanliness and be aware of
any strong odors.
• Look at the floors - Are they shiny if tiled,
and are they free from stains, if carpeted?
• Look at the furniture - Is it dirty and worn?
• Look at the structure - Are the walls, doors
and fixtures in good repair?
• Is the home well lit? Are there any strong
foul odors?
• Are there overpowering “good smelling”
fragrances that could be masking or covering
up foul odors.
2. Staff. Look & listen to observe the following:
• Is the staff well groomed and dressed professionally
and appropriately?
• How does the staff interact with patients
and visitors?
• Does staff seem friendly, caring, patient,
polite, and helpful?
• Do they seem happy?
• Does the care staff seem to work well with
each other?
• Is staff polite and courteous or are they
complaining to each other?
• Is the interaction between management
and the care staff positive?
• When you ask questions, does management
seem forthcoming or are they hesitant
Nursing Homes
to answer? Do they seem agitated or
aggravated?
3. Patients. Look, listen, and smell to observe
the following.
Note: Do not go into any patient’s room without
the expressed permission of the patient and
the staff. Please respect the privacy of patients.
• Are the patients you see groomed and
clean? (shaven, nails trimmed, and dressed
appropriately)
• Do you smell any strong odors coming from
the patients?
• Do patients seem to be receiving attention
by staff if needed?
• Are patients that are more active and social
involved in any activities?
• Do they seem to be enjoying their
interaction with staff?
4. Dining and Food. Look, listen, smell, and
taste to observe what is going on in the dining
room and kitchen. Tour the nursing home during
meal time and ask if you may dine. Look for
food choices.
• Is the food attractively served?
• Is the food served at an appropriate temperature?
• Is the food tasty?
• Do residents seem to like the food being
served?
• Is there enough staff to assist patients who
need help eating?
Look at and listen to how the staff interacts
with the patients during meal time. Ask if you
can see the kitchen and talk to the dietitian.
Food is one of the most important aspects of
patient satisfaction. Look for a nursing home
that treats this standard very seriously.
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