Cleanliness
-- Does the facility meet your standards of cleanliness?

Patient Rights
-- Is there a written description of patient rights and responsibilities? Ask for a copy.
-- Does the staff protect patient privacy and dignity?
-- Is the use of restraints kept to a minimum?
-- If restraints are used, is it only after other alternatives have been tried?
-- Does the facility have an advance directives policy?

Care Planning
-- Do individuals and families take part in developing their own care plan?
-- Does the facility provide services for terminally ill residents and their families?
-- Is there an Alzheimer's disease program at the facility?
-- Is there an AIDS program?
-- Is a subacute care program available?

Staff Attitudes
-- Does staff show interest in, affection and respect for the individuals?
-- Is staff courteous?
-- Is there a quick response to patient calls for assistance?
-- Is staff respectful and friendly to other staff members?
-- Is the administrator available to answer questions, hear complaints or discuss problems and concerns?

Licensing and Certification
-- Do the facility and administrator have a current license issued by the state?
-- Is the facility certified to provide Medicare and/or Medi-Cal coverage if the individual needs it?
-- Is the latest state survey available for review?
-- Does the facility have a formal quality-assurance program?

Location
-- Is the facility conveniently located for frequent visits from family and friends?
-- Is the facility located near a hospital?
-- Is the facility conveniently located for the individual's physicians?

Costs
-- Does the basic daily charge cover all the services needed by the individual?
-- Is there an available list of specific services not covered by the daily charge?
-- If the individual leaves the facility, are the advance payments returned?

Medical
-- Is a physician available in an emergency?
-- Are personal physicians allowed to treat individuals?
-- Does the facility report to the individual's physician?
-- Is regular medical attention guaranteed?
-- Are care plans and medical records kept?
-- Are individuals and families involved in treatment plans?
-- Is confidentiality of medical records guaranteed?
-- Are a variety of medical services (dentists, podiatrists, optometrists) available?
-- In an emergency, will the individual's personal physician be notified?

Hospitalization
-- Does the facility have an arrangement with a nearby hospital?
-- Is emergency transportation available?
-- Are accommodations made to hold a resident's bed if that person is hospitalized?

Pharmacy
-- Are routine and emergency drugs available?
-- Does a pharmacist review individual drug treatment plans?
-- Is a pharmacist available for individuals and staff?

Therapy
-- Is a physical therapy program available under the supervision of a qualified physical therapist?
-- Are speech therapy and occupational therapy available?

Activities
-- Are individual preferences observed?
-- Are group and individual activities available?
-- Is participation encouraged?
-- Are the individuals involved in their surrounding community?
-- Does the facility have volunteers working with the residents?
-- Are off-site trips planned?

Social Services
-- Is a social worker available to assist individuals and families?

General Safety
-- Is the facility well lit?
-- Is the facility free of clutter and hazards?
-- Are chairs sturdy and stable?
-- Are warning signs posted on freshly waxed or wet floors?
-- Are handrails and grab bars installed in the hallways and bathrooms?

Fire Safety
-- Is the facility compliant with state and federal codes?
-- Are exits unobstructed and clearly marked?
-- Are emergency evacuation plans posted with floor plans throughout the facility?
-- Does the facility conduct fire drills?
-- Are exits unlocked from the inside?
-- Are doors to stairways kept closed?

Bedrooms
-- Do the bedrooms open onto the hallway?
-- Does each of the resident rooms have a window?
-- Are bedrooms limited to four beds?
-- Does each bed have a privacy curtain?
-- Is each bed equipped with a nurse call bell?
-- Is fresh drinking water available next to each bed?
-- Is there at least one comfortable, sturdy chair per resident?
-- Is each individual provided a separate clothes closet or set of drawers?
-- Are the bedrooms wheelchair accessible?
-- Is care used in roommate selection?
-- Is each bed easily accessible?
-- Are residents encouraged to decorate rooms with personal items?

Toilet Facilities
-- Are toilets convenient to bedrooms?
-- Are they wheelchair accessible?
-- Are nurse call bells located near each toilet?
-- Are hand grips installed near each toilet?
-- Are bathtubs and showers equipped with non-slip surfaces and hand grips?

Isolation Room
-- Does the facility provide at least one bed and bathroom for patients with contagious illness?

Lobby
-- Is there a welcoming atmosphere?
-- Is the furniture attractive and comfortable?
-- Is the activities schedule posted on a bulletin board?
-- Are the facility certificates and licenses on display?

Hallways
-- Are the halls wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass easily?
-- Are handrails installed in the halls?
-- Are the halls well lit?

Dining Room
-- Is the dining area clean, attractive and inviting?
-- Are tables convenient for wheelchairs?
-- Is food tasty and appealing to the eye?
-- Is there adequate time to eat meals?
-- Do the meals match the posted menu?
-- Is help given to the residents who need it?

Kitchen
-- Is the food preparation area separated from dishwashing and garbage areas?
-- Is food requiring refrigeration properly stored?
-- Do kitchen workers observe sanitation rules?

Activity Rooms
-- Are rooms available for resident activities?
-- Does the facility provide activity equipment, such as games, easels, yarn or a kiln?
-- Is the equipment being used by residents?

Special-Purpose Rooms
-- Are rooms set aside for therapy or physical examinations?
-- Are rooms available for private visits with family and friends?

Grounds
-- Are the grounds accessible to handicapped individuals?
-- Does the facility provide outdoor furniture for residents and visitors?
-- Are walkways clear and free of hazardous objects?
-- Is parking adequate for visitors?

Religious Observances
-- Does the facility make arrangements for patients to worship as they please?

Food
-- Does a dietitian plan menus for residents requiring special diets?
-- Are personal likes and dislikes considered?
-- Does the menu vary from meal to meal?
-- Is there adequate time to eat each meal?
-- Does the facility provide snacks?
-- Is food delivered to individuals unable to eat in the dining room?
-- Are warm meals served warm?
-- Is help given to the residents who need it?

Grooming
-- Is assistance available for bathing and grooming?
-- Are barbers or beauticians available?
-- Does the facility provide basic laundry service?

r. Preston Maring; http://recipe.kaiser-permanente.org/kp/maring/

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