Definiition of Ombudsman | Ombudsman Volunteer | Technical Assistance
Resident's Rights

CHOOSING A NURSING HOME

Each nursing home in your area will have unique strengths and weaknesses. Before you begin looking, be sure your loved one's medical condition has been thoroughly evaluated.

If at all possible, take the resident to visit potential nursing homes before a decision is made. This visit can give you insight into the resident's wishes and may ease your loved one's fears.

Visit as many nursing homes as possible. You can learn a great deal about a nursing home by taking time to sit and observe how staff interacts with residents. Also, speak with residents to get a full understanding of life in the home.

It is very important to visit homes a second time during the weekend or evening – times when many nursing homes reduce their staff and services.

The following questions may help in your evaluation; using your senses – sight, hearing, smell, touch:

• Are there any offensive odors
• Is the temperature level comfortable
• Are the floors and walls clean
• Are the residents well groomed
• Are the residents “gathered” in one area
• Are there a number of “restrained” residents
• Is there any privacy available to the residents
• Are residents comfortable around staff
• Is there respect between staff and residents
• Does the staff smile
• Does there appear to be adequate staff
• Are the call lights responded to
• Is food nutritional and appetizing
• What is included in daily activities
• Is there a resident council and/or family council

You should also ask to see the latest State Survey Results. This should be posted in the facility, if not, ask to see it.

Copies of state inspection reports are available from the licensing and certification agency, which are available from the facility itself, from the ombudsman, or on the World Wide Web at www.medicare.gov ., click on “Nursing Home Compare.”

For more information on choosing a nursing home or assistance in resolving problems in a nursing home contact:

Trisha Dodd e-mail: tdodd@ggeda.com

Lahona Young e-mail: lyoung@ggeda.com

Definiition of Ombudsman | Ombudsman Volunteer | Technical Assistance
Resident's Rights