Hello!!

My name is Inspector Gadget, today I wanted to take a brief detour from my normal job of solving mysteries and train future Long Term Care patients and families about things to consider and inspect when considering a long-term care facility.

So join me on this journey full of great information that you will one day need.

First thing to consider... Is the environment well kept and clean?

The first impression made upon you should be the layout of the facility and reception area. It should be aesthetically pleasing in a professional way without feeling institutionalized. Upon entering your presence should be acknowledged in a friendly and inviting manner.

Next, to help keep you and/or your family members safe, you should investigate the type of safety alert systems that are in place.

As you make your way through the facility take care to notice sanitation, smells, unobstructed pathways, handrails in restrooms, armrests on chairs, room for wheelchairs. Overall the facility should be in pristine condition and every aspect of it should be suitable to meet the needs of you and/or your loved ones.

Such as for falls

Restroom assistance

Medical emergencies

Life Safety Code

If its an older building is it in compliance with the Fire Safety Evaluation Systems

When you talk with employees of the Long Term Care Facility make sure to ask questions about how dietary needs are kept track of and met.

Now.. please excuse me while I have my lunch.

Check to see if they have a DTR (Registered Dietetic Technician or a CDM a Certified Dietary Manager) and if they can meet the varied needs of all kinds of patients.



Such as patients with chewing and swallowing difficulties, Loss of appetite, TPN, Diabetes, and/or Liver disease.

Make sure to do your research and find out if the facility is in compliance with your state's Requirements of Participation

A good facility will be required to meet ROP, or Requirements of Participation. These are not easily attained as they are comprised of some 185 regulations. Everything from basic patient and/or resident rights to standards of care and more.

Now, health and safety are very important aspects of our lives so make sure the facility you are considering has an infection control policy in place

The elderly are more susceptible to infection and living in close quarters increases the likelihood and rate of contraction. It is vital that rigorous infection control protocol is enforced among staff, residents, and visitors.

Such precautions include educating residents, employees, and visitors about important policies and procedures, infection control practices, and how to control outbreaks.

Next you should take a look around and take note of any possible obstructed walkways

Safety should be the number one priority especially in a facility that caters to the long term care population. Many of those patients have physical disabilities or have difficulty walking. The facility should take extra precaution to make sure no walkways are obstructed.

Make sure to look into the facilities history of complaints

Before you even come to the facility, do some research at home. Check to see if the facility has a history of complaints. You can do a quick google search of the facility, check them out on the Better Business Bureau, or contact your local long term care reform advocates

Now, before we continue in our instructional guide. I want to tell you a little story about a family who was looking for an LTC.

Once upon a time...

The Jefferson family was looking for a nursing home facility for their grandmother.

Hey Hunny.. I think it's time we start looking for a nursing home for your mom. It's becoming more difficult to take care of her and the baby

You're right love, I will look for some tomorrow.