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We
suggest you use a checklist, such as the following one, when assessing
the suitability of a nursing home or aged care facility, to ensure it
meets your requirements:
We
also recommend that you spend some time thinking about your current and
likely future requirements BEFORE you start looking.
Presentation
Do
the residents seem content and happy?
Is the atmosphere seem friendly, safe and comfortable?
Do any individual residents seem to be unstable or be causing disruptions?
Are there unusual or unpleasant smells?
Does it seem to be a comfortable temperature for the residents?
Do the residents seem happy with the way staff communicate with them?
Are residents treated with respect as well as in a friendly manner?
Are there enough staff?
Do the staff seem caring and attentive?
Are there other people with similar needs to yours?
Position
Is
there transport provided or within easy access?
Is there easy entry and exit from the premises (level ground, etc.)?
Will it be easy to see your family and friends?
Is it easy to get to local shops, a club, church or other places/events
that may want to go?
The Facility
If
the facility has more than one floor, is it easy to navigate?
Are there call-buttons in the bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas?
Are there necklace call-assist buttons provided?
Are all areas well lit?
Is the building security appropriate for the suburb and location?
Is there a garden for residents?
Are there smoke detectors and fire extinguishers?
Is there easy wheelchair access, including the garden/s?
Accommodation
Can
you have your own bedroom?
Do the rooms have a bathroom and toilet en-suite?
Can you meet the other person to see that you get on before you share
a room?
How are shared rooms screened for privacy?
Can you bring your own furniture and belongings?
Is there secure storage?
Will your possessons be insured?
Can you have a TV and telephone in your room?
Is there air conditioning or can you have it installed?
Bathroom / Toilets
Is
there a toilet near your bedroom?
Are there toilets near all communal rooms?
Are toilets, baths and showers safe and private?
Common Rooms
Is
there a choice of TV and/or lounge rooms?
Is there a quiet room for reading or games with no TV?
Is the furniture clean and comfortable?
Is there more than one TV room for choice of programs?
Is there more than one TV room?
Are there a non-smoking policy?
Management
Have
you seen the "house rules" about visitors, pets, smoking, etc.)?
Do the residents have a say in the development and enforcement of the
rules?
Is there an independent residents action group that meets regularly?
Can one or more of the staff speak your language?
Will a member of staff be assigend to your welfare?
Can
you get up and go to bed when you choose?
Will your room be cleaned at least weekly?
Do you have to make your bed?
Can you help around the nursing home or hostel if you want to?
Are daily papers delivered?
Is there a mail service?
Is it possible to buy small items such as gifts and stanps?
Meals
Do
the menus give you a regular choice of dishes and styles?
Can you make menu suggestions?
Do the menus include foods you like?
Can you have a meal in your room?
Do the menus balanced and nutritious?
Will special diets be catered for?
Can you make a snack whenever you want?
Are meals only at set times?
Activities
Are
regular social events and outings organised?
Do the activities interest you? (e.g.. Yoga, music, handicraft, outings)
Religion
Will
you be able to practice your own religion?
Are there regular visits by a practitioner from your religion?
Telephones
Can
you have a telephone in your room?
Is there a place you can telephone without people overhearing you?
Do you need a special telephone and can it be provided (e.g. for hard
of hearing).
Visitors
Can
your family and friends see you at any time?
Are there private meeting places for you and your guests?
Can you make/offer your guests a drink or snack?
Can your visitors stay for a meal or even overnight?
Personal care
Can
you have a say in the way you are looked after/helped?
Is personal care available when you need (washing, dressing or going to
the toilet)?
Can relatives or friends help you if you want?
Does a hairdresser or barber visit regularly?
Health care
Will
your health care needs be met?
Can you keep the same doctor you have now?
Will you have access to a doctor at all times if required?
Is there a local doctor who accepts patients from the nursing home or
hostel?
Does a doctor visit the nursing home or hostel regularly?
Do other other health professionals visit the nursing home/hostel regularly
(e.g.. Physiotherapist, podiatrist, dentist)?
If your care needs change can you continue to live at the nursing home
or hostel?
How the Nursing Home
or Hostel is Managed?
Can
you have a financial report for the nursing home or hostel?
Who runs the nursing home or hostel?
Are they the owner or the manager?
How long have they been running the nursing home or hostel?
Where can they be contacted?
How many residents are there?
How many care staff are on duty: in the morning, afternoon, evening, at
night?
Are night staff awake or on call?
What qualifications and training do the staff ahev?
Is the home certified/accredited?
Terms and Conditions
What
would be covered in your agreement?
What are the facility guidelines, fees and costs?
What does the daily fee cover?
What services are included in your payment?
What extra services do you pay for?
When is the accommodation bond payable?
How much might the bond be?
Are standard resident fees payable in advance or arrears?
Are standard resident fees payable monthly or weekly?
What happens if you run out of funds?
How long a trial period of respite care can you have?
What notice must be given if you want to leave the nursing home or hostel?
In what circumstances might you be asked to leave?
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