Nursing Homes - Checklist

Handy Checklist when comparing Nursing Homes

Your First Impressions are Important

• Does the overall atmosphere appear friendly, safe and comfortable?
• Does the nursing home smell okay - right through the building?
• Does it seem to be a comfortable temperature in all the rooms?
• Do the residents seem happy and content?
• Do the residents seem happy with the way staff address and respond to them?
• Are residents treated with respect as well as in a friendly manner?
• Does there seem to be enough staff?
• Do the staff seem caring and attentive towards residents?
• Are there other people with similar care needs to yours?

Location

• Will it be easy to see your family and friends?
• Is it easy to get to local shops, club, church or other places and events?
• Is there adequate transport to help you get where you want to go?

The Premises

• Can someone in a wheelchair move around easily?
• Is access difficult and safety an issue because there is more than one floor?
• Are there call-bells in the bedrooms, bathrooms and communal areas?
• Are rooms, stairs and corridors suitably lit?
• Is there a safe garden that residents can use?
• Are there smoke detectors and fire extinguishers?
• Are there security arrangements?
• Is the garden accessible to wheelchairs?

Accommodation

• Bedrooms - Can you have a single room if you want one?
• Are there rooms with their own bathroom and toilet en-suite?
• If you have to share a room can you meet the other person beforehand?
• Can you have a different room if you dont get on with the person?
• Are there screens in shared rooms to give privacy?
• Can you bring some of your own furniture and belongings?
• Can you lock your cupboard?
• Can you have your own TV in your room?
• Can you have a telephone installed in your room?
• Can you have air-conditioning installed?

Bathroom / Toilets

• Are toilets, baths and showers easy and private for residents to use?
• Is there a toilet within easy reach of your bedroom?
• Are there toilets within easy reach of all the communal rooms?

Community Rooms

• Is the furniture in the communal rooms arranged in a comfortable way?
• Is there a choice of lounges?
• Is there more than one TV room?
• Is there a quiet room with no TV?
• Are there non-smoking rooms?

Day-to-Day Life

• Are you comfortable with the house rules (eg. about smoking or pets)?
• Can you influence what happens in the aged care home?
• Is there an independent Residents and Relatives group?
• Would there be a member of staff to take a special interest in your welfare?

Domestic Arrangements

• Can you get up and go to bed when you want to?
• Will your room be cleaned at least once a week?
• Will your bed be made for you?
• Can you help arround the aged care home if you want to?
• Is it possible to buy small items in the aged care home?
• Are daily papers and mail delivered?

Language and Culture

• Is there a staff member who can speak your language?
• Is there a policy of culturally appropriate care?
• Have the staff received cross cultural training?

Personal Possessions

• Is there a secure place where personal items and valuables can be kept?
• Does the home take responsibility for insuring your possessions?

Meals

• Can you have input to menus?
• Do the menus include foods which you like?
• Do the menus give you a choice of dishes?
• Do the menus seem to you to be balanced and nutritious?
• Can special diets be catered for?
• Can you have/make a snack when ever you want?
• Is it possible to have meals other than at set times?
• Can you have meals in your rooms?

Leisure Time

• Are social events and outings organised frequently?
• Will there be activities which interest you?

Religion

• Will you be able to practice your own religion?
• Are there regular visits by a practitioner from your religion?

Telephones

• Can you have a telephone in your room?
• Is there a telephone without people overhearing what you are saying?
• Is there a telephone you can use which meets any special requirements?

Visitors

• Can family and friends visit you without restriction?
• Are there places where you can spend time in private with your guests?
• Can visitors stay for a meal or even overnight?
• Can you make/offer your guests a drink or snack?

Personal care

• Can you have a say in the way you are looked after/helped?
• Is the personal care you need available?
• Can relatives or friends help you with personal care if you want them to?
• Does a hairdresser visit the aged care home?

Health care

• Will your health care needs be met?
• Can you keep the same doctor you have now?
• Will you have access to a doctor at all times if required?
• Is there a local doctor who accepts patients from the home?
• Does a doctor visit the aged care home regularly?
• Do other other health professionals visit the aged care home?
• If your care needs change can you continue to live at the home?

How the Aged Care Home is Managed?

• Can you have a financial report for the aged care home?
• Who runs the aged care home?
• Are they the owner or the manager?
• How long have they been running the aged care home?
• Where can they be contacted?
• How many residents are there?
• How many care staff are on duty morning, afternoon, evening, at night?
• Are night staff awake or on call?
• What qualifications do the management and staff have achieved?
• What ongoing training do management and staff receive?
• Is the aged care home registered/certified/accredited?

Terms and Conditions

• What would be covered in your agreement?
• What are the facility guidelines, fees and costs?
• What does the daily fee cover?
• What services are included in your payment?
• What extra services do you pay for?
• When is the RAD payable?
• How much is the RAD?
• Are standard resident fees payable in advance or arrears?
• Are standard resident fees payable monthly?
• What happens if you run out of funds?
• How long a trial period of respite care can you have?
• What notice must be given if you want to leave the aged care home?
• In what circumstances might a resident be asked to leave?