Suggested Questions to ask During a Nursing Home Visit

Health Care and Service Related Questions

• Can residents retain their personal physician if they wish?
• Will a resident be moved out of the facility if additional care is needed?
• Do residents have input in the development of care plans?
• Are rehabilitation programs and therapies offered, as appropriate?
• What are the policies on "do not resuscitate" and "advance directives"?
• If applicable, does the facility meet the Alzheimer's Association criteria?
• Does the facility offer specialized programs or services?

Staffing Related Questions

• What is the staff to resident ratio?
• What are the facility's hiring and staffing policies?
• How are prospective employees screened?
• What kind of training do new employees receive?

Accommodation Questions

• Is there adequate privacy and space in resident rooms?
• What personal possessions are permitted in resident rooms?
• How are items protected from theft?
• If rooms are shared, how are roommates selected?
• What happens if roommates are not compatible?
• What are the policies on transfer and relocation of residents?
• Are there activity rooms and lounge areas for resident use?
• Are the bathing and food preparation areas clean and accessible?

Meals and Resident Activity Questions

• Are meals served in an appealing manner and at proper temperature?
• Are meals served in an appealing manner and at proper temperature?
• Ask to sample a meal.
• Are there food choices?
• Are there accommodations for special diets?
• Are snacks and drinks available between meals?
• Is there an active residents' council?
• Are special events held at or outside the facility and what is scheduled?
• Are there religious or cultural activities offered?

Survey and Inspection Questions

• When was the facility's last survey conducted? (Look up the latest survey results here)
• Is the most recent survey report available in the facility? If so, where is it?
• Have cited deficiencies been corrected?
• If corrected, when and how were they corrected?
• How will the facility prevent them from recurring?
• If deficiencies are not yet corrected, what is the facility's plan for correcting?

Payment Related Questions

• Is the facility approved to accept Medicare or Medicaid patients?
• What is the billing and payment policy?
• What is included in the daily/monthly rate?
• Are there any additional charges?
• How long will the bed be held if the resident is hospitalized?