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Visiting a Nursing Home

Once you have located several long–term care facilities that look promising, you should make appointments to visit them before making a final decision about the choice of a nursing home for your elderly relative. Usually, a staff member will answer your questions and give you a formal tour of the facility. Also ask about visiting at other times such as on weekends, evenings, or at meal times. This will give you a better idea of what the nursing home is really like. How do residents seem when you are not officially “on tour”? Is the facility adequately staffed during off hours and weekends? Are residents fed properly?

Speak to the administrator to confirm your initial telephone information about staffing, including number and types of employees. You may also ask about the existence of special staff training programs, particularly any on elder abuse, patient safety, and dealing effectively with difficult residents. Get copies of the latest inspection report, which is required of a facility certified to take Medicare and Medicaid.

For more information about choosing a nursing home, see Signs of a Good Nursing Home, Special Needs, and Licensing, Certificates.

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