10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Skilled Nursing Facility
When deciding on a skilled nursing facility for yourself or a loved one, you want to be sure you’re choosing one that has qualified staff and suits your needs. That’s why you want to do your homework and ask all the essential questions to get the answers you need to make an informed decision. The team at Santé has compiled a list of 10 questions you want to ask before deciding on a skilled nursing facility.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Skilled Nursing Facility
1. What is the staff-to-patient ratio during the day and at night?
You want to ensure that there are enough staff members to care for all patients. The ideal staff-to-patient ratio depends on the type of facility and the patient’s needs. Generally, one staff member for every four patients is considered a good benchmark.[1]
2. What medical services are available on-site?
If you or a loved one will need occupational, speech, or physical therapy, you must see if those services are offered on-site. Many skilled nursing facilities provide this type of care and other medical services.
3. What activities are available for patients?
Keeping patients active is important for their mental and physical health. Ask what types of activities are available regularly. This can include games, walks, movies, and other activities that allow patients to get together and socialize during their stay.
4. How are patients kept safe?
Ask what security measures are in place to keep patients safe. What types of locks are installed? Is security present 24/7? Knowing the answers to these questions can help to give you peace of mind during your stay or if a loved one is at a skilled nursing facility. You also want to see if all exits are clearly marked in case of emergency, especially if you or a loved one has mobility issues.
5. Do you have any accreditations or certifications pertaining to your quality of care?
Check if the skilled nursing facility you are considering has received any specific accreditations. These can attest to the type of care they provide.
6. How often is the facility cleaned?
You want to be sure that the facility you choose is clean 24/7. Ask how often the cleaning crew comes and to what level the facility is cleaned. An unclean environment can compromise the health of patients who are already ill and trying to recover.
7. Are employees required to pass background checks?
Most skilled nursing facilities will require all employees to pass background checks. This not only gives the administration peace of mind that they are hiring safe employees but also lets patients know that they have qualified people taking care of them.
8. Have there been any reports of neglect at the facility?
Ask about any neglect or dissatisfaction reports, and do your homework. A quick online search of reviews will uncover any news reports about problems at the facility you may be considering. This can be a huge red flag that you need to look elsewhere.
9. What types of meals are available for patients?
Skilled nursing facilities should provide nutritious meals as residents recover and regain strength. Ask if three meals a day are offered and what the typical menu looks like. You can also ask if the meals are prepared on-site or brought in. You also want to be sure any dietary restrictions or allergies are properly addressed.
10. How are family members kept informed about their loved one’s progress and care?
Ask how frequently updates are given on a patient’s care. Are meetings held? Are phone calls made? Ask what the procedure is so that you are also aware of what is going on and if any changes need to be made in the care plan.
Asking these questions can help you better understand the skilled nursing care facility and whether it is a good fit. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; you want to feel confident that you are choosing the best facility possible.
Santé Provides Quality Skilled Nursing Care
Santé is committed to providing exceptional skilled nursing care to patients at its four locations in Mesa, Chandler, Surprise, and North Scottsdale, Arizona. Patients can rely on the care they need to recover from their injuries and a wide range of other conditions. Reach out to the Santé team today to learn more about how we can help!
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Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.
