At this time, discuss your needs with the facility's staff. As you walk around, use all your senses. Heavy air fresheners or deodorants may be substitutes for conscientious care and maintenance. Be wary if patients are hesitant to speak freely to you about the facility in front of the staff. Try to visit around lunch or dinnertime.
Meals are very important to both the medical and social well-being of nursing home patients.
Food should be attractive and well prepared, and staff members should assist those who need help eating. Ask patients if they enjoy the food, and observe whether they leave a lot of it uneaten. It is often useful to have a list of questions so you won't forget any important factors. You can use our Nursing Home Checklist for this purpose and add any personal issues that are important to you. If the first visit goes well, plan to make a second trip to the facility unannounced.