What to look for when you visit a long-term care home
Nursing home leaders suggest visiting long-term care facilities multiple times before making a decision. Here are a few tips to take with you:
• Pay attention to smells and sights to gauge cleanliness.
• Don’t be shy; talk to administrators, aides, residents and their families.
• See what the staffing levels are at night.
• Drop in for lunch, and see how people are eating. Are they getting the help they need?
• Ask for the latest inspection record, even if you’ve already checked it online.
• See if they have regular visits from dentists, podiatrists and optometrists.
• Request a schedule of activities and religious gatherings.
Reporting by Halle Stockton