Long Term Care Checklist

Choosing a long-term care facility can be a difficult decision. This checklist has been created to assist you when visiting and interviewing long-term care facilities.

First Impressions

• Is the facility located in a convenient location?
• Does the facility have convenient and accessible parking for visitors?
• Does the facility have a clean/well maintained appearance inside and out?
• Does the facility have an open visitation policy?
• Is the staff friendly?

Living Areas/Accommodations

• Is the floor plan well designed and easy to navigate?
• Are floors/areas divided by medical/mental needs?
• Number of private and semi-private rooms offered.
• Are elevators available for those unable to use stairs?
• Do the halls have handrails to aid walking?
• Is the residence clean, free of odors and appropriately cooled/heated?
• Does the facility offer comfortable/attractive common areas?
• May residents decorate their own rooms?
• Do rooms offer adequate space and storage?
• Are bathrooms private and handicapped accommodations?
• Is there an outside courtyard or patio for residents and visitors?

Admission

• How is the initial needs assessment handled?
• Does each resident receive a written care plan? Is there an ongoing review of the plan?
• What type of insurance is required/accepted?
• What are the specific costs of services provided for skilled/intermediate?
• What additional services are available if the resident's needs change?

Services

• What healthcare and personal care services are available?
• Are physical, occupational and speech therapy services available on site?
• Is staff available to provide 24 hour assistance with activities of daily living?
• Does the facility offer services/program for dementia?
• Are barber/beautician services available on site?
• How are medications managed?

Social and Recreational

• What kinds of group/individual activities are offered?
• Is there an organized activities program?
• Do volunteers/family members come to the facility to assist with programs?
• Does the facility have certified activity directors?
• Are the activities appropriate and desirable to the residents?
• Are religious services offered on site? Are they available to all denominations?
• Are their regularly scheduled exercise classes?

Food

• Does the facility provide nutritious meals three times a day, seven days a week?
• Can the facility accommodate special dietary needs?
• Are the staff members qualified to assist residents needing a feeding tube?
• Do residents appear to receive assistance eating when needed and an appropriate amount of time to complete their meal?
• Do the dining areas encourage residents to relax, socialize and enjoy their meal?
• Are visitors allowed to dine with residents? Is there an additional fee for visitors?

Licensure and Certification

• Is the facility Medicare certified and/or Medicaid certified?
• Is this a skilled nursing facility and are skilled beds available?
• Does the facility offer a resident council?
• What is the facility's reputation in the community? How long has it been operating?
• Has the facility corrected any Quality of Care deficiencies in their State inspection?
• Is the administrator licensed/certified?

Safety/Security

• Does the facility provide ample security and emergency exits?
• How often does the facility conduct safety drills?
• What form of protection does the facility offer for residents who may wander or fall?