Bring the person’s care team into the decision. This checklist supports research; it does not determine what level of care is medically appropriate.
Care and admission
- Can you meet the person’s current needs, and what changes would require a move?
- Which services are included, optional, or unavailable?
- Who completes the assessment, and can we receive the decision in writing?
- Is there an appropriate opening now? If not, how does the waitlist work?
Staffing and daily life
- Who is present on days, evenings, nights, and weekends?
- How are medications, urgent changes, falls, and hospital transfers handled?
- Who communicates with families, and how often?
- Can we visit during a meal and see the living areas relevant to this admission?
Costs and agreements
- What is the current base price, and what costs extra?
- How and when can charges increase?
- Which payment programs are accepted for this specific bed or service?
- What deposits, notice periods, discharge terms, or refund rules apply?
Records and accountability
- What is the current license or CMS certification number?
- Where can we review recent inspection information and correction plans?
- How are complaints handled internally and reported externally?
- Does the public phone number reach admissions, or is it an administrative/licensing contact?
Transitions
- If needs increase, which services are genuinely available at this location?
- Does another service at the same campus have a separate license, agreement, price, or waitlist?
- Who coordinates transfers, records, medications, and transportation?
Medicare’s recommended process
Medicare recommends researching local homes, comparing inspection, staffing, and quality information, visiting before deciding, and using a separate checklist for each home.