About the Organization

YES

NO

Does the organization have a written description of its services and fees? What resources will the organization provide to help you find financial assistance if it is needed? Will Medicare and Medicaid provide payment for eligible residents? (See "Who Evaluates the Organization" for more information.)

YES

NO

Are you aware of how the organization is staffed during evenings and weekends? How many nurses are on duty? What is the ratio of nursing assistants to residents? How are medical situations handled that are beyond the organization's capabilities?

YES

NO

Does the organization have an emergency plan in place in case of a power failure or a natural disaster? In the case of an emergency, can the organization continue to provide care or make arrangements for care to be provided.

YES

NO

Is the community involved in the organization? Does the organization have volunteers who work in the resident care areas? If so, what is the nature of interaction with residents?

YES

NO

Do you know the organization's philosophy about end-of-life decisions? Are residents or their families involved in decsions that will prolong life with artificial means?

YES

NO

Do the medical and nursing programs offer restorative physical, occupational and other therapies? If offered, does the organization's dementia special care unit provide a physical environment that is designed for the safety of the residents and the common behaviors associated with dementia?

Individual and Family Concerns

YES

NO

Does the organization provide the specific services you or your loved one needs? Does a qualified staff member conduct a preliminary evaluation of the resident's needs? Can you be involved in this evaluation or assessment?

YES

NO

Does the organization create a plan of care for each new resident? Will you be involved in establishing the plan of care? The plan of care should include details about the care to be provided, the frequency of this care and the period of time over which the care will be provided. The plan of care should be updated as the resident's needs change.

YES

NO

Does the facility explain the resident's rights and responsibilities? Ask to see a copy of the organization's resident rights and responsibilities information.

YES

NO

Does the organization have a family council? A family council is a mechanism for the families of residents to interact and discuss the care their family members are receiving. How does management deal with suggestions from the family council, families and residents?

YES

NO

Is attention given to individual food preferences? Can substitutions be made to the menu? Can food be brought in from the outside? Is there an opportunity to meet with a registered dietitian?

YES

NO

Are the resident's individual psychosocial needs attended to? Is the environment comforting? Are there activity programs? Are there opportunities to attend religious services?

Who Evaluates the Organization?

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Does the organization accept payment from Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare certification means the organization has met the minimum health and safety requirements established by the federal government. For eligible residents, Medicare and Medicaid will provide payment only for designated services offered by a certified agency.

YES

NO

Does the organization have a quality improvement program? Does the organization monitor itself or does it rely only on state oversight agency?

YES

NO

Is the organization accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body such as the Joint Commission? Joint Commission accreditation means that the organization voluntarily sought accreditation and met national health and safety standards.