Before Selecting a Nursing Home, Visit It

 

It is a good idea to visit any nursing home under consideration. Make unannounced visits during visiting hours during the different shifts of duty. Typically, shifts are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. (visiting hours usually are not observed during this last shift). It is also a good idea to visit the home on a weekend day as well as on a weekday. It usually is a good sign if the home appears to be running smoothly on weekend days and during evening shifts. It also might be helpful to visit during one of the meal times. This way you can see how the residents are cared for as a group and see if residents are happy with the food.

 

There are several things to look at during visits to nursing homes. The activities schedule should be posted. Planned activities and the activity level of the residents give an idea of whether residents are engaged in meaningful activities or just sitting around. Keep in mind, however, that residents are free to choose not to participate in any activity. By observing the interactions between staff and the residents, you can see whether the staff is caring, sensitive and responsive to the residents.
The appearance of the residents shows if they are well-groomed and appropriately dressed by the staff. The appearance of the home itself shows whether it would be a nice place to live.

 

If residents and their families or visitors are available and willing to talk, they can be a very good source of information about the home. Another way to find out what the residents and their families think about the home might be to attend a resident council meeting, if possible. Nursing homes are required to allow residents to form resident councils to address any issues that affect them. In some homes, resident councils include family members as well. The administrator or social services director of the nursing home should be able to tell you how to get in touch with the resident council to see if you can attend a meeting.

After visiting the home unannounced, it would be a good idea to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet with some of the staff. Some important staff at the home are the administrator, the director of nursing and the social services director. They should be willing to meet with you and go over the home's policies. The staff also should be willing to discuss the home's inspection reports (discussed below) openly and honestly.

 

When visiting a nursing home, it is important not to interfere with the care being given by the staff. It is also important to respect the residents' right to privacy.

 

Understanding Nursing Home Regulations