Long-Term Care Hospital Checklist
High-quality post-acute care can significantly increase a patient’s rate of recovery. Finding a long-term care hospital that’s right for you or your loved one can help you avoid unnecessary readmissions to the hospital and decrease overall healthcare costs. Below we have outlined seven key areas within long-term care hospitals that you should evaluate when comparing facilities. Follow this checklist to identify the provider that best fits your needs.
Basic Information
- Is the hospital Medicare/Medicaid certified?
- Does the facility provide necessary skilled care and special services?
- Is there an available bed?
- Are there visiting hours? What are they?
- Are residents clean and appropriately dressed?
Living Spaces
- Are there any unpleasant odors?
- Are the facilities clean and well-kept?
- Are the noise levels appropriate?
- What are the restrictions on smoking?
- Is the facility well furnished?
- Is the temperature comfortable?
- Is there good lighting?
Staff
- Does the staff have good relationships with the residents?
- Do staff members knock on doors before entering?
- Are background checks conducted on staff members?
- Is a full-time registered nurse (RN) available at all times?
- What are the rotations of nurses and staff members working with a given resident?
- Is there a reasonable ratio of staff members to patients?
- Are certified nursing assistants (CNAs) involved with care planning meetings?
- How often is a licensed doctor available?
- How long has the management team worked together?
Residents’ Rooms
- Are residents allowed to have personal belongings?
- Is there personal storage space?
- Do the rooms have adequate windows and natural light?
- Do residents have access to personal phone and television?
- What is the roommate selection process?
- How much protection is available for personal possessions?
Common Spaces
- Are exits are clearly marked?
- Are the visiting areas quiet and well-kept?
- Are there appropriate safety features (emergency evacuation plan, smoke detectors, sprinklers, etc.)?
- Are all areas wheelchair accessible?
- Are there handrails and grab bars in common spaces?
Dining and Activities
- Is there an appropriate variety and choice of foods?
- Are there nutritious snacks?
- Does the hospital offer assistance in eating?
- Are a variety of activities offered?
- Are there outdoor areas for residents to use?
- Are there volunteer programs?
Safety and Care
- Does the hospital offer preventative care (flu shots, etc.)?
- Are residents allowed to see their regular doctors?
- How does the hospital handle emergency situations?
- Are care planning meetings scheduled with residents and family members?
- Has the facility corrected all deficiencies from last state inspection?
This information is based on a checklist from medicare.gov.
Download this information as a PDF: Long-Term Care Hospital Checklist
To learn more about selecting a long-term care hospital, read our guide.
repisodic offers comprehensive profiles of every long-term care hospital in the country to support your search. Learn more here!