How to Make Sure A Nursing Home is Right For You or Your Loved One

Inspect the Grounds

When you arrive for your tour, take note of the environment and safety features. Look for non-skid floors, handrails, and clear walkways free of wheelchairs or obstacles that could pose a tripping hazard. Beyond basic safety, check if the grounds are well-kept. Are dumpsters concealed and clean? Is the area peaceful with comfortable seating? These details can give you a good sense of whether the facility feels like a safe and relaxing place to spend time.

Talk with the Current Residents

Speaking directly with the people who live there can provide invaluable insights. Ask the residents how they feel about the food, the daily activities, and their overall experience at the facility. Do they feel well cared for and engaged? While the nursing home may look great on the surface, getting a sense of residents’ experiences can help you determine if it’s truly the right fit.

Talk to the Staff

During your visit, take the opportunity to talk to a variety of staff members—from the nurses to the administrative team. Ask them about their jobs, their experiences, and how the facility operates. Pay attention to whether they seem familiar with the residents’ names and personal details. Friendly, attentive staff can be a strong indicator of a positive, nurturing environment.

Try the Food

Food is an important part of daily life, and while you shouldn’t expect gourmet meals, it’s worth asking about the variety and quality of the food. You can even sit in the dining room to observe how the residents and staff interact during mealtime. Is the food healthy and appetizing? Do residents seem to enjoy their meals? It’s a small detail, but it can make a big difference in comfort and satisfaction.

Use All Your Senses

As you tour the facility, pay attention to what you hear and smell. Are there sounds of laughter, conversation, or music? Or is there an uncomfortable silence? Do you notice pleasant, clean smells or is the air musty and stale? A well-ventilated, clean-smelling environment is essential for comfort and well-being.

Ensure the Environment is Safe

COVID-19 brought new challenges to long-term care facilities, so safety and cleanliness are more important than ever. Check for things like room cleaners with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air)  filters, the use of PPE (personal protective equipment), and compliance with infection control standards. Nursing homes are required to have an infection control program with written guidelines, and at least one staff member should be trained in infection prevention. It’s worth confirming that the facility has these measures in place.

Visit During Off-Hours

While a scheduled tour during the week can give you a glimpse of the facility at its best, visiting during off-hours—like evenings or weekends—can give you a clearer picture of what daily life is really like. Does the quality of care and attention remain consistent, or do things seem less organized when the facility isn’t on high alert?

For more tips on choosing the right nursing home, you can check out this helpful article from AARP.

Taking the time to thoroughly inspect and ask the right questions can help ensure that you or your loved one will feel comfortable, safe, and well-cared for in a nursing home. Contact Haimo Law today for additional guidance on planning for your loved one to enter a nursing home facility and choosing one that is right for your family. We can help guide you through the analysis of whether Medicaid is a solution for you and your loved one.

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