Nursing Home Care For Dementia Patients

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer's, he/she may eventually need nursing home care. The challenge is in finding the right one - not only for your loved one, but also for the family.

Here's a checklist for you. Make copies, and compare different homes. Don't expect every one to score well on every question; simply consider which items are most important to you. but, don't rely only on a number. Ask to speak to family members of other residents. Also, contact the local or state ombudsman, and get a copy of the state inspection report.

Nursing Home Evaluation Form
Name of Nursing Home:                                                                              
Date Visited:                                                      

• First impression? 1 2 3 4 5
• Exterior paint, gutters and trim? 1 2 3 4 5
• Are the grounds pleasant and well-kept? 1 2 3 4 5
• Views from residents' rooms and other windows? 1 2 3 4 5
• Alzheimer's Special Care Unit? 1 2 3 4 5
• Secure outdoor area? 1 2 3 4 5
• Secure area with walking paths? 1 2 3 4 5
• Appropriate areas for physical and occupational therapy? 1 2 3 4 5
• Are barber or beauty salon services available? 1 2 3 4 5
• A well-ventilated room for smokers? 1 2 3 4 5
• General cleanliness? 1 2 3 4 5
• Clean smell? 1 2 3 4 5
• Enough space for residents? 1 2 3 4 5
• How noisy are hallways and common areas?
• Is the dining area clean and pleasant? 1 2 3 4 5
• Is there room at tables for both residents and aides, if necessary? 1 2 3 4 5
• Are common areas being used by residents? 1 2 3 4 5
• Can residents bring furniture and personal items for their rooms? 1 2 3 4 5
• Does the administrator know residents by name, and speak to them in a pleasant manner? 1 2 3 4 5
• Do staff speak to residents with cheerful, respectful attitudes? 1 2 3 4 5
• Do staff and administration work well together? 1 2 3 4 5
• What special training has the staff received for Alzheimer's residents? May I observe a training session? 1 2 3 4 5
• Do nursing assistants participate in the resident's care planning process? 1 2 3 4 5
• Employee retention? 1 2 3 4 5
• Does a state ombudsman visit regularly? 1 2 3 4 5
• How likely is an increase in private pay rates? 1 2 3 4 5
• Are there any additional charges not included in the daily or monthly rate? 1 2 3 4 5
• How are roommates selected? 1 2 3 4 5
• Describe a typical day? 1 2 3 4 5
• Can residents choose when to go to bed and wake up? 1 2 3 4 5
• Are meaningful activities available for Alzheimer's patients? 1 2 3 4 5
• If activities are in progress, what's the level of resident participation? 1 2 3 4 5
• Can Alzheimer's patients continue to participate in interests like gardening or contact with pets? 1 2 3 4 5
• Is there safe, well-lighted parking? 1 2 3 4 5
• Are hotels/motels nearby for out-of-town family members? 1 2 3 4 5
• Are area restaurants suitable for taking residents out with family members? 1 2 3 4 5
• How convenient will care planning conferences be for family members? 1 2 3 4 5
• Is an effective family council in place? 1 2 3 4 5
• Can meetings be scheduled to discuss any problems? 1 2 3 4 5

Putting your loved one in a nursing home can be a very traumatic process. But it doesn't have to be. We can help.

We're the Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates. We practice Elder Law...and only Elder Law. And, over the past 33 years, we've helped thousands of South Florida families with decisions like this...as well as with estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset protection, and issues with Medicaid or the VA.

We can help. And we're just a phone call away.