The nursing home abuse and neglect resource center for the elderly and their families

Nursing Home Assessment Tips

overview

assessment tips

other facilities

Other tips

• Meet the administrator -- don't just listen to what the marketing director has to say about the activities and facilities available for the residents.
  
  
• Determine how frequently the Medical Director sees the residents (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.)
  
  
• Meet the Director of Nursing and find out the number of registered nurses and aides who work each shift - especially at night when most problems occur.
  
  
• Visit the nursing home during the evening hours and weekends - determine for yourself how clean and how well staffed the facility is.
  
  
• Ask to meet and talk with a current resident - find out from the resident about how responsive the nursing staff is, quality of the food, etc.
  
  
• Talk with a resident's family.
  
  
• Contact the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to determine the results of prior annual inspections. These reports may be accessed on the Internet at www.medicare.gov/nursing/Overview.asp or by calling 604-367-2102.