What Questions to Ask When Looking for a Skilled Nursing Facility?
When looking for a skilled nursing facility, ask questions about safety, services, billing and staffing to find the right fit. Questions such as these give you a better idea of how the facility operates and whether it’s a secure and comfortable place for you or your loved one. Below, you’ll find a list of questions to ask when touring skilled nursing facilities.
Health and Safety Questions
These questions show you how seriously the facility takes patient health and security. Good questions include:
- Does the facility have on-site physical, recreational and speech therapists?
- What does the facility do to help prevent infections and the spread of COVID-19?
- Has nursing staff ever been involved in cases of elder neglect or abuse?
- How is the facility prepared for fires, accidents and natural disasters?
- What does this facility do to prevent bed sores?
- What is your policy on medication administration?
- Is memory care provided in a specialized secure unit?
Billing, Services and Staffing Questions
Ask these questions to learn more about billing, meals, services and staffing.
- What kind of insurance do you accept?
- Do you accept Medicaid/Medicare?
- What happens if my loved one or I run out of money?
- What’s included in the monthly rate?
- What services are offered for an extra fee?
- What’s the staff-to-resident ratio?
- What’s the staff turnover rate?
- What kind of training do caregivers have?
- Does the facility accommodate special dietary needs and meal preferences?
General Questions
These questions help you learn about the facility’s activities, family involvement and resident satisfaction.
- What does the facility’s activity schedule look like?
- Are residents allowed to choose their own activities?
- Are residents encouraged to spend time outdoors?
- How do you protect residents’ dignity and privacy?
- Can residents bring items from home?
- Does the facility conduct family/resident satisfaction surveys? If so, can you show me the results?
- What’s the facility’s visitation policy?
- Are families involved in decision-making and care planning?