Guide to Selecting a Home

Observations

• Do patients appear happy and well taken care of?
  
  
• Is the building clean and well maintained?
  
  
• Are wheelchairs and other equipment in clean working order?
  
  
• Are activity calendars posted with a variety and sufficient number of activities for patients to choose from each day?
  
  
• Do the dining room and kitchen look clean and are cooks wearing hair covering?
  
  
• Are the rooms neatly arranged and individually decorated with personal possessions of residents?
  
  
• Do staff members interact cheerfully with patients and each other?
  
  
• Are resident call bells responded to quickly?
  
  
• Are staff members responsive to resident or family member needs and requests?
  
  
• Are staff members visible?
  
  
• Are residents treated with dignity and respect?
  
  
• Does the linen look clean?
  
  
• Is there an outdoor patio for resident and family use?
  
  
• Is resident privacy protected during resident care and treatment (are room doors and privacy curtains used)?
  
  
• Do staff members stop and knock on room doors prior to entering resident rooms?
  
  
• Do residents appear clean?
  
  
• Are there any strong odors in the facility?
  
  
• Are rooms well ventilated and kept at a comfortable temperature?
  
  
• Ask to eat a meal and evaluate the quality and taste of the food.