The right questions can reveal everything a brochure won’t show you. Use this list during nursing home tours and calls with admissions staff to evaluate any facility objectively.
Staffing Questions
- What is your RN-to-resident ratio on each shift? Day, evening, and overnight staffing often differ dramatically.
- Is a registered nurse on-site 24 hours a day? (Not just on-call — physically present)
- What is your annual staff turnover rate? Industry average is 50–75%; facilities under 30% are exceptional.
- Do you use consistent assignment? The same aides caring for the same residents daily produces measurably better outcomes.
- How do you handle call-outs? Mandatory overtime and agency staff signal chronic understaffing.
Care Quality Questions
- What is your facility’s rehospitalization rate? Lower rates indicate problems are managed on-site rather than punted to the ER.
- What is your current pressure injury rate? CMS tracks this publicly — bedsores are a leading indicator of care quality.
- How do you handle falls prevention? Ask for their specific protocol, not a generic answer.
- How are medications managed and reconciled? Medication errors are a top patient safety concern in SNFs.
- What is your average therapy hours per day for rehab patients? Higher is generally better; ask for PT, OT, and speech separately.
Family Communication Questions
- How will you notify me of health changes, incidents, or falls? Timelines matter — same-day notification is the standard.
- Can I attend care plan meetings? You are legally entitled to participate. A facility that discourages this is a red flag.
- Who is my primary contact for concerns? Get a name and direct number — not just a general desk line.
- Is there an active Family Council? Active family involvement is a positive sign.
Financial Questions
- What does the daily/monthly rate include? Therapy, medications, incontinence supplies, and laundry are often billed separately.
- What triggers a rate increase? Get this in writing.
- What is your policy if my Medicare days run out? Can I stay as a Medicaid or private-pay resident?
- What is your Medicaid bed percentage? Facilities with higher Medicaid census are typically more experienced with transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a nursing home refuse to answer these questions?
A: They can, but unwillingness to answer staffing and quality questions is itself a meaningful red flag. Most of this information is also publicly available on Medicare Care Compare.
Q: Should I visit more than once before choosing?
A: Yes. Visit at different times of day — evenings and weekends often reveal staffing differences that daytime tours won’t show.
Want an Expert to Help Evaluate Facilities?
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