There are many things to consider when you are looking into finding the right nursing home (sometimes referred to as skilled nursing facility) for yourself or for someone you are caring for. The following are questions you can ask your doctor or health care provider about nursing homes.

Staff and Management Questions

1. What is the LICENSED staff to patient ratio?
2. How many Registered Nurses (RN), how many Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) on each shift? Ask particularly about after 5pm, nights and weekends.
3. How many aides are available on each shift to help the residents?
4. Is there an activities director on staff?
5. How often do the doctors visit?
6. How easy is it for the staff to make contact with a doctor if there is a medical problem?
7. Is a doctor available by telephone 24 hours a day?
8. Who provides and supervises pharmaceutical services?
9. How long has the Director of Nursing (DON) been at the facility?
10. How many DONs have there been in the past 5 years?
11. How long have the various staff members been here? (The more stable the staff, with fewest changes, the better.)
12. What is the background of the company running it?

Activities and Resident Involvement

13. Can I see the calendar of events planned for next month?
14. What are the visiting times?
15. Can the family help with personal care if they and the patient wish this?
16. Can the family bring treats and favorite foods if the patient requests this?
17. Can residents leave the nursing home for day trips or overnight stays with family and friends?
18. What are the restrictions on bringing furniture and other personal items from home?
19. Are there pets at the facility, or is there a pet visiting program?
20. Can residents care for plants in their room or garden?
21. Can residents participate in religious services?
22. Is there a resident council?
23. Is there an organization for family members?
24. What services do volunteers provide?

Services Provided

25. Does the SNF have staff licensed to administer intra-venous therapy if needed?
26. Are special diets available for health needs, religious or ethnic preferences?
27. Will the nursing home hold a bed if the resident is admitted to hospital? If so, for how long?
28. Is there a rehabilitation program available, should this be needed?
29. What services are part of the rehabilitation program? Physical, occupational, speech and communications therapy?

Financial and Payment Issues

30. Who will pay for these services and for how long?
31. If equipment such as a special bed is needed, who will pay?
32. How can I find out about quality of care in the nursing home?
33. How can I review complaints made about the nursing home?
34. What services are covered by the basic daily charge?
35. For what services are there extra charges?