Ten things to consider
when placing a loved one in a residential setting

Everyday tips, January 2009

Making the decision to move a loved one to a residential community can be difficult and overwhelming.  Here are some considerations to help you evaluate your choices:

1. Research: Have you read the state survey findings from the Agency for Health Care Administration (http://ahcaxnet.fdhc.state.fl.us/nhcguide/)?  All nursing homes have a comprehensive inspection and it must be available to the public.  
2.  Location: Is the nursing home located close enough for friends and family to visit?
3.  Atmosphere: Does the nursing home appear clean and have a pleasant smell and good lighting?  Are the noise level and temperature in the dining room and other common areas comfortable?  Are the furnishings sturdy and comfortable? 
4.  Resident appearance: Are the residents clean, appropriately dressed for the season or time of day, and well groomed by the nursing staff?
5. Resident rooms: Can residents have personal belongings and/or furniture in their rooms?  Is there sufficient storage space?  Does every room have windows and access to a personal telephone and television?
6. Hallways, lounges, and bathrooms: Are common areas, resident rooms, and doorways designed for wheelchair use?  Are there handrails in the hallways and grab bars in the bathrooms? 
7. Relationship between staff and residents: Is the relationship between staff and current residents warm, polite and respectful? Does staff wear name tags, knock on doors before entering a resident’s room, and refer to residents by name?
8. Availability of staff: Is there a registered nurse in the nursing home at all times?  Is there a social worker and licensed doctor or medical director on staff?  If so, are they there daily and reachable at all times?  Does a consistent team of nurses work with the same resident 4 to 5 days per week? 
9. Menus and food: Does the food look like something your loved one would like to eat?
10. Activities: Are there a variety of activities scheduled for residents, including those who are unable to leave their rooms?  What are the interactions between residents?