How to Choose a Nursing Home in Rhode Island

A Checklist for Visiting Potential Nursing Homes

Once you have determined which nursing homes you want to visit and inspect, you should take the time to figure out what to look for and the questions you want to ask. The following checklist can help you ask the right questions during your visit.

Basic Questions

• Is the facility Medicare and Medicaid certified?
• Has the facility’s license ever been revoked? If so, why?
• Are new patients or residents being accepted?
• Is there a waiting period before being admitted?
• Are background checks conducted on all staff?
• How many LPNs, CNAs and RNs are on duty each shift?
• Is at least one RN on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
• What is the resident-to-staff ratio?
• What is the resident-to-nurse ratio?
• What is the nursing home’s visiting policy?
• What is its discharge policy?
• Are nursing home residents seen by doctors on a regular basis?
• Is transportation provided for appointments with a resident’s personal physician?
• Are eye doctors, dentists and other medical specialists available to see patients regularly?
• How are medical emergencies handled? Are arrangements in place with nearby hospitals?

Safety Questions

• Are hallways, walkways and stairways well-lit?
• Are exits clearly and properly marked?
• Do hallways, stairs and elevators have handrails?
• Are rooms and bathrooms equipped with grab bars and emergency call buttons?
• Do doors and windows have safety locks?
• Does the facility have properly functioning security and fire safety systems?
• Are visitors required to check in before entering and leaving the facility?
• Does the facility have an emergency generator or alternate source of power?
• Is the floorplan easy to navigate?
• How does the facility handle reports of neglect, abuse or mistreatment?

Care Questions

• Is the facility clean and adequately maintained?
• Does it have a fresh smell?
• Do residents appear to be clean and well groomed?
• Do staff interact well and often with residents?
• Does the facility offer resident activities and exercise?
• Are resident caregivers the same day-to-day?
• What is the staff response time to calls for help?
• Does each room have fresh water available?
• How is the appearance and smell of the food? Is it nutritious and tasty?
• Are residents given a choice of options at mealtimes? Can special dietary needs be met?
• Is assistance available to residents who need help eating or drinking?
• Are snacks available and easily accessible to residents?
• Do residents have access to physical therapy?
• Are any staffers specifically trained to handle patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia?
• Does the facility have separate programs or services for residents requiring special care?

Quality-of-Life Questions

• Are residents’ rights posted in plain sight?
• Does the staff respect resident privacy and knock before entering a resident’s room?
• Are doors shut when residents are being bathed or dressed?
• Does the facility have daily visiting hours?
• Is it easy for family and friends to visit a resident?
• Are residents’ cultural, religious and language needs met?
• Does the facility have outdoor areas accessible to residents?
• Are residents who want to spend time outside monitored and provided care when needed?
• Can residents or their families make decisions about daily schedules and routines?
• Are residents permitted to have personal belongings and furniture in their rooms?
• Are residents treated with the care and respect they deserve?
• Does the nursing home have a safe, friendly, home-like environment?

Making Your Selection

Once you have visited and revisited a number of nursing homes, met the administrative staff, talked to residents, observed the interaction between patients and nursing staff, and compared quality ratings, the next step will be making a choice.

After your selection has been made, contact the administration staff so you can begin the admissions process. You should also schedule to meet with the nursing home administrator and the staff who will be responsible for your loved one’s care to discuss any specific concerns you have, care needs you want to be sure are addressed and personal preferences.

Make sure to let the staff know you would like to be included in any care-planning decisions regarding your loved one.

Now that your loved one is enrolled and settled, continue to be involved. Make sure you visit often. Play an active role in his or her ongoing care.