Nursing Home Checklist
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated December 05, 2018
The thought of placing a loved one in a nursing home does not often occur without reservations about the type of care your loved one would receive. If you have decided to place your elderly relative in a nursing home or merely want to tour some homes to determine your options, this nursing home checklist will provide you with some of the questions that will assist you in finding the best care facilities for your relative. You can also download the nursing home checklist for future use.
While (or after) visiting each potential nursing |
Yes | No |
| Is the home Medicare-certified? | ____ | ____ |
| Is the home Medicaid-certified? | ____ | ____ |
| Is the home currently accepting new patients? | ____ | ____ |
Is there a waiting list? |
____ | ____ |
| Is the home licensed by the state? | ____ | ____ |
| Is the home's administrator licensed? | ____ | ____ |
| Does the home conduct background checks on all staff? | ____ | ____ |
| Does the home offer abuse-prevention and other special training? | ____ | ____ |
| Is the interaction between the staff and patients cordial and respectful? | ____ | ____ |
Are residents allowed to make choices about their daily routine? |
____ | ____ |
| May the residents choose from a variety of activities? | ____ | ____ |
| Is it easy for friends and family to visit the home? | ____ | ____ |
| Does the home look and smell clean? | ____ | ____ |
| Is the home well-lighted? | ____ | ____ |
| Is the home maintained at a comfortable temperature? | ____ | ____ |
| Are the residents allowed to have personal furnishings in their rooms? | ____ | ____ |
| Do the residents' rooms have comfortable furniture? | ____ | ____ |
| Are there drawers and closets for the residents' clothing? | ____ | ____ |
| Are there pull-curtains around the residents' beds for privacy? | ____ | ____ |
| Do the public areas have comfortable furnishings? | ____ | ____ |
| Is the dining room clean, quiet, and cheerful? | ____ | ____ |
| Does the home have outdoor areas for the residents' use? | ____ | ____ |
| Are residents encouraged to go outside? | ____ | ____ |
| Are the residents clean, appropriately dressed, and well groomed? | ____ | ____ |
| Does the staff respond quickly to calls for help? | ____ | ____ |
| Does there appear to be a good relationship between the staff and the administrator? | ____ | ____ |
| Do the residents have the same caregivers on a regular basis? | ____ | ____ |
| Is there enough staff on duty at all times, including nights, weekends, and holidays? | ____ | ____ |
| Is a hospital nearby in case of emergencies? | ____ | ____ |
| Are care plan meetings held at times convenient to the residents and their families? | ____ | ____ |
| Is there enough staff to help the residents eat? | ____ | ____ |
| Are the residents offered food choices at each meal? | ____ | ____ |
| Does the food look and smell appetizing? | ____ | ____ |
| Does the staff regularly monitor the residents' weight? | ____ | ____ |
| Is drinking water readily available? | ____ | ____ |
| Does the staff encourage and help the residents to drink? | ____ | ____ |
| Are nutritious snacks available throughout the day? | ____ | ____ |
| Are there handrails in the halls? | ____ | ____ |
| Are there grab bars and call buttons in the bathrooms? | ____ | ____ |
| Are exits clearly marked? | ____ | ____ |
| Are spills quickly cleaned up? | ____ | ____ |
| Are halls well lighted and free of clutter? | ____ | ____ |
| Are there adequate smoke detectors and a sprinkler system? | ____ | ____ |
| Is there a high turnover among staff? | ____ | ____ |
| Is most of the care provided by medically trained staff? | ____ | ____ |
| May the residents continue to be treated by their personal physicians? | ____ | ____ |
| How is regular medical attention assured? | ____ | ____ |
Are other medical services available? |
____ | ____ |
| Is there a pharmacist on the staff? | ____ | ____ |
| Is there a physical therapist on the staff? | ____ | ____ |
| Is there an occupational therapist on the staff? | ____ | ____ |
| Is there a social worker available to residents and their families? | ____ | ____ |
| Are barbers and beauticians available? | ____ | ____ |
| How are disputes resolved? | ____ | ____ |
| How does the home match roommates? | ____ | ____ |
| Are single rooms available? | ____ | ____ |
| Are religious services available? | ____ | ____ |
| Would I be comfortable leaving my loved one in this home? | ____ | ____ |
| Is the location convenient for family visits? | ____ | ____ |
| Has a state agency found an unusual number of violations at this home? | ____ | ____ |
| Have residents or their families filed a lot of complaints? | ____ | ____ |
| Are other residents and their families happy with the care at the home? | ____ | ____ |
| Is the cost reasonable in comparison to other homes? | ____ | ____ |
Get a Legal Review of Your Potential Injury Claim
This checklist is intended to help you avoid problematic nursing homes in the first place, but negligence or even wilfull abuse can happen anywhere. If you or a loved one has been injured at a nursing home through the wilfull disregard or negligence of the staff, then you may have a valid claim for damages. Get a legal review of your situation today.
Next Steps
Contact a qualified personal injury attorney to make sure your rights are protected.