Licensure
Does the facility have a current license from Pennsylvania?
Does the administrator have a current license from Pennsylvania?
If the answer to either of these questions is "no," do not use the home.
Certification and quality review
If Medicare and/or Medicaid coverage is needed, is the facility certified to provide it?
Does the facility have a formal quality assurance program?
Location
Is the facility pleasing to the resident?
Is the facility convenient for the resident's personal physician?
Is the facility convenient for frequent visits of family and friends?
Is the facility near a cooperating hospital?
Is the facility near a hospital where your personal physician practices?
Accident prevention
Is the facility well lighted inside?
Is the facility free of hazards underfoot?
Are chairs sturdy and not easily tipped?
Are warning signs posted on freshly waxed floors?
Are there handrails in hallways and grab bars in bathrooms?
Does the facility meet federal and/or Pennsylvania codes?
Are exits clearly marked and unobstructed?
Are written emergency evacuation plans posted with floor plans throughout the facility?
Are fire drills held periodically?
Are exit doors unlocked on the inside?
Are doors to stairways kept closed?
Bedrooms
Do bedrooms open onto the halls?
Does each resident room have a window?
Are rooms limited to four beds?
Is there a privacy drapery for each bed?
Is there a nurse call bell by each bed?
Is there fresh drinking water by each bed?
Is there at least one comfortable chair per resident?
Is there a clothes closet or separate set of drawers for each resident?
Is there room for a wheelchair to maneuver?
Is care used in selecting roommates?
Is there easy access to each bed?
Cleanliness
Is the facility as clean as you set your personal standards?
Is the facility free of unpleasant odors?
Lobby
Is the atmosphere welcoming?
Is the furniture attractive and comfortable?
Is there a bulletin board with an activities schedule?
Are certificates and licenses on display?
Hallways
Are halls large enough for two wheelchairs to pass easily?
Are halls well lighted?
Dining room
Is the dining area attractive and inviting?
Are tables convenient for those in wheelchairs?
Is food tasty and attractively served?
Is time adequate to eat meals?
Do meals match posted menu?
Are those needing help receiving it?
Kitchen
Is the food preparation area separate from the dish washing and garbage areas?
Is food needing refrigeration not standing on counters?
Does kitchen help observe sanitation rules?
Activity rooms
Are rooms available for resident activities?
Is equipment (such as games, easels, yam, kiln, etc.) available?
Are residents using equipment?
Special purpose rooms
Are rooms set aside for physical examinations or therapy?
Are rooms available for private visits with family and friends?
Isolation room
Does the facility have at least one bed and bathroom for residents with a contagious illness?
Toilet facilities
Are toilets convenient to bedrooms?
Are they easy for a wheelchair resident to use?
Is there a sink in each bathroom?
Are nurse call bells near each toilet?
Are hand grips on or near toilets?
Do bathtubs and showers have non-slip surfaces and hand grips?
Grounds
Is there easy access for the handicapped?
Is outdoor furniture available for residents and visitors?
Are hazardous objects in resident walkways?
Medical
Is a physician available in an emergency?
Are personal physicians allowed?
Is regular medical attention assured?
Are medical records and plans of care kept?
Are residents involved in plans for treatment?
Is confidentiality of medical records assured?
Are other medical services (dentists, podiatrists, optometrists) available?
Will the resident's personal physician be notified in an emergency?
Does the facility report periodically to the resident's personal physician?
Care planning
Does the facility provide services for terminally ill residents and their families?
??Does the facility have an Alzheimer's disease program?
Does the facility care for mentally ill residents?
Hospitalization
Does the facility have an arrangement with a nearby hospital?
Is emergency transportation readily available?
Nursing services
Is a registered nurse responsible for the nursing staff in a skilled nursing facility?
Are licensed nurses on duty around the clock.?
Are trained nurse aides and orderlies on duty in homes providing nursing care?
Pharmacy
Are routine and emergency drugs available?
Does a pharmacist review resident drug regimens in a skilled nursing facility?
Is a pharmacist available for staff and resident consultation?
Religious observances
Are arrangements made for residents to worship as they please?
Therapy program
Is there a physical therapy program available under the direction of a qualified physical therapist?
Is therapy available to meet special needs?
Are services of an occupational therapist or speech pathologist available?
Activities program
Are resident preferences observed?
Are group and individual activities available?
Are residents encouraged to participate?
Are outside trips planned?
Do volunteers work with residents?
Social services
Is a social worker available to assist residents and families?
Food
Does a dietitian plan menus for residents on special diets?
Are personal likes and dislikes taken into consideration?
??Does the menu vary from meal to meal?
Are snacks available?
Is food delivered to residents unable or unwilling to eat in the dining room?
Are warm foods served warm?
Grooming
Is assistance in bathing and grooming available?
Are barbers and beauticians available?
Staff attitudes
Does staff show interest in and affection for individual residents?
Is staff courteous?
Is the administrator available to answer questions, hear complaints or discuss problems?
Does staff respond quickly to resident calls for assistance?
Does staff know residents by name?
Resident rights
Does the facility have a written description of resident rights and responsibilities?
Is staff trained to protect resident dignity and privacy?
Does the facility have a resident council?
Costs
Are all services covered in the basic daily charge?
If not, is a list of specific services not covered in the basic rate available (Some facilities have schedules covering linen, personal laundry, haircuts, shampoos, pedicures, dental care, etc.)
Are advance payments returned if the resident leaves the facility?
Your part
If you are selecting a nursing facility for someone else are you:
Involving this person in the choice?
Prepared to ease the resident's transition to the nursing facility by being with him on admission day and staying a few hours to get him settled in?
Ready to visit the resident frequently and to make sure that his friends make similar visits?
Willing to provide the resident with the same amount of love in the nursing home as you would if he were at home?
Source: Pennsylvania Health Care Association, a professional trade organization representing the long-term care community and providing information to families in need of longterm care. More information is available on the organization's Web site at www.PHCA.org or write to: 315 N. Second St., Harrisburg, PA 17101. Call (717) 221-1800.
