Quality Nursing Homes

Quality Nursing Homes Have …

• A current state operating license
• A licensed administrator
• Medicare and Medicaid certification
• Open visitation privileges
• Smoke detectors and fire alarms on every floor
• An automatic sprinkler system
• Emergency lighting
• A good staff to patient ratio
• Handrails in hallways, grab bars in bathrooms
• Clearly marked exits with unobstructed access
• Bedrooms that open onto a corridor and have windows (required by law)
• A physician available for emergencies
• No offensive odors and no heavily scented sprays to mask foul odors
• Toilet facilities that accommodate wheelchairs
• An attractive dining room and appetizing food
• Residents who look clean and appropriately dressed
• A policy that encourages residents to go outside
• An activity room and activities coordinator
• Friendly, pleasant, caring and available staff
• A volunteer program
• An active resident participation program or council