15+ Important Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Nursing Home

Deciding on a nursing home for a loved one is never easy. We understand it can feel stressful to sort through countless details while worrying about safety, well-being, and daily life.

At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, our commitment is to protect Nebraska seniors through every stage of care. We wrote this guide so you can feel more prepared and informed when evaluating potential facilities.

Initial Information Gathering

Before stepping into any building, it’s good practice to gather details about each nursing home’s background. Doing this helps you narrow down which places are worth seeing in person. It also gives you a feel for whether a facility’s approach to care lines up with your priorities.

1. Is The Facility Licensed and Certified?

Ask whether the facility holds a current state license and if it’s covered under Medicare or Medicaid. That coverage status can be important if you expect help with payment. You’ll want to confirm that the facility has not had its license revoked in recent years. If you have the chance, review past state inspection reports for any major concerns.  You can view the nursing home’s license file online at:

https://www.nebraska.gov/LISSearch/search.cgi

You can also view more information about the nursing home, including past inspection reports, staffing levels, and whether the facility has been fined in the past three years at Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare Website:

https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=NursingHome

2. Are Compliance Records Readily Available?

When you visit, request a copy of the latest inspection summary. Look for notes about problems found and how the administration said they’d fix those issues. A place that’s willing to show you these records without hesitation often reflects an honest, open attitude.

3. Is There a Care Unit For Specific Needs?

If your loved one needs additional attention for conditions like dementia, ask if the facility has a distinct unit for that. Be sure to get a written copy of the criteria for admission and discharge. You want to know exactly what triggers a move in or out of that specific area.

Environment and Atmosphere Assessment

After researching documents and online listings, it’s time to physically experience the place. Observe hallways, common areas, and how staff interact with residents. A relaxed, pleasant environment can enhance the quality of life for everyone. If you walk through the doors and immediately encounter a strong smell of urine or feces, this could be a sign that this facility is one to avoid.

4. Is The Nursing Home Clean and Well-maintained?

Check whether the halls are tidy and the floors appear safe. Notice if spills are quickly cleaned or left to linger. Unpleasant odors could indicate deeper problems, possibly pointing to low staffing levels or oversight issues. A facility that is well-kept during multiple visits often maintains consistent standards day and night.

5. What Is The Overall Atmosphere Like?

Take a moment to absorb the overall noise level. Meaningful conversation or soft music might be a sign of active engagement, while constant yelling or confusion could hint at unaddressed challenges. Also, gauge if the air feels fresh and if each room has proper lighting and comfortable temperatures. Do the current residents look content, or sad and neglected?

6. Do Resident Rooms Feel Personalized and Comfortable?

Walk through a few resident rooms and look for personal touches. Items like family photos, blankets, or small decorations show whether people can make their rooms their own. A welcoming common space for visitors, plus the opportunity for outdoor activities, can help residents feel less isolated.

7. Are Proper Safety Features in Place?

Notice if exit routes are clearly marked and if hallways remain clutter-free. Grab bars and lift-assist tools in bathrooms are another plus. Promptly ask about fire procedures and emergency evacuation plans. If your loved one wanders easily, find out how doors and alarms are managed. Your main goal is to see that safety is woven into daily routines.

Quality of Care and Staff Interactions

The way staff members talk to and care for residents can reveal a lot about a nursing home’s values. Aim to see how caregivers offer assistance or handle difficulties. Polite, patient, and timely responses suggest a more positive environment.

8. What Are The Staffing Levels and Qualifications?

Ask about nurse-to-resident and nurse aide-to-resident ratios for morning, evening, and overnight shifts. In addition, find out if an on-site registered nurse is present around the clock. You may also inquire about staff turnover: a stable team typically fosters continuity and better morale, which supports consistent resident care. A bullet list of items to consider regarding staffing:

●  Availability of 24/7 supervision

●  Frequency of ongoing training sessions for caregivers

●  Number of caregivers assigned per shift

●  Presence of in-house or visiting physicians

9. How Do Staff Interact With Residents?

Observe how caregivers talk with residents. Look for respect, patience, and empathy. Do staff members appear rushed? Are they answering call lights in a timely fashion?  If possible, ask a few residents if they feel comfortable approaching caregivers for help. Quick check-ins and kind attitudes can contribute to safer, happier surroundings. Do you have a hard time even locating staff? If the nursing home looks like a “ghost town” for staff with call lights going off and residents “parked” in the hallways, this could be a red flag.

10. What Medical Services and Preventive Care Are Available?

Some homes offer on-site doctors, along with services like dental, mental health, or physical therapy. Make sure to confirm how medication is managed. You can ask if the facility runs monthly or quarterly medication reviews to reduce potential errors. Also, find out if they schedule yearly flu shots and how they handle other preventive measures.

Daily Life and Resident Well-being

A holistic approach to long-term care goes beyond just meeting clinical needs. It also provides residents with companionship, freedom of choice, and ways to stay mentally active. You want to see that each person’s dignity remains intact.

11. Do Residents Have Autonomy and Choice?

Ask if residents determine their sleep and wake times. Are they encouraged to pick from multiple meal options, or do they have to eat what’s served? A bullet list might help illustrate the core questions on choice:

●  Can residents choose meal times that fit their personal habits?

●  Is there a say in the activities they join?

●  Does the facility honor personal care preferences, including end-of-life directives?

12. Is The Dining Experience Positive?

Watch how mealtimes unfold. Do staffers help those needing feeding support? Is the dining area calm and pleasant rather than chaotic? Ask about snack availability, water supply, and timing of meals. If people require certain diets, see if that’s part of standard care or an extra fee. This is also a fine moment to inquire about temperature controls and food freshness.

13. What Activities and Engagement Opportunities Exist?

Participating in group events offers social stimulation and mental exercise. Are there scheduled outings or crafts that residents can enjoy? Is there a mix of indoor and outdoor possibilities? Request an activities calendar if available. Pay attention to whether people look relaxed in these group settings or if many remain in rooms without interaction.

14. Is Specific Care Available For Dementia or Other Conditions?

If dementia or advanced conditions are present, you might need detailed options. Some places have memory care units with trained staff for that population. Check for staff-to-resident ratios in these units. Ask if continued therapy is offered to slow cognitive issues or if specific safety measures are in place.

Financial and Contractual Considerations

Even when a facility looks appealing, it’s wise to verify how costs are structured. Surprises in the billing process can cause confusion down the line, so gather details up front.

15. Is Pricing Transparent and Predictable?

Request a clear breakdown of monthly fees and see if any admissions deposit is required. Ask about what happens if care needs intensify: Does the price jump quickly, or do you move to an upgraded plan? Keep an eye out for added charges, like laundry services or specific meal plans.

16. What Payment Methods and Financial Aid Are Accepted?

Ask about acceptable forms of payment, including private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Some nursing homes participate in veteran assistance programs or other grants for seniors. If your loved one has or might need Medicaid, confirm the facility’s guidelines on bed availability for Medicaid beneficiaries.

17. Can You Review The Contract in Full Before Signing?

Request the full text of any contract or residency agreement before signing. Check if language around family responsibility or liability appears, particularly “responsible party” clauses. A thorough read helps guard against hidden fees or unapproved reasons for eviction. Make notes and ask for clarification. If anything feels off, it’s often helpful to consult an elder-care lawyer.

18.   Does the Facility have residents sign a binding arbitration agreement that waives their right to a jury trial in the event that the nursing negligent? This is another red flag. Residents do not have to sign away their constitutional right to a trial by jury in order to be admitted to a skilled nursing facility. If presented with an “arbitration agreement,” you have the right to decline. 

Take Action: Contact Us for Compassionate Guidance

We understand the stress that comes with placing a loved one in a nursing home. At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, powered by Reed Law Offices, PC, LLO, we concentrate on nursing home abuse and neglect cases throughout Nebraska, supporting families who deserve accountability. Feel free to call us at 402-933-0588 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation. We’re devoted to finding real answers and pursuing a fair outcome on your loved one’s behalf.