Questions to Ask

When looking for a nursing home, what should families do or what questions should they ask as they visit various nursing homes:

• How much Medicare will my loved one get? Do you have a set rehab and restorative program for patients that want to go home? What about those that cannot go home? Do I get a copy of the care plan so I can monitor the quality of life and care?
  
  
• Who do I call to get an update on my loved one? When do you get my loved one into restorative programs each day? Can I observe him/her in these programs? How do I communicate with the assigned physician and the medical director with concerns?
  
  
• Will my loved one have a discharge plan? Do you use the care plan to manage the care? How often will you communicate with me if there are problems? Who will contact me? Can I review your past survey reports? Who is your lead surveyor?
  
  
• If Medicare is not an option, what are my funding options? Do you have an ongoing restorative care program for his/her medical and mental problems? What companionship and socialization will he/she get on a regular basis? Do you have an active volunteer organization that I can contact?