1. Consult a Physician:
All persons entering a nursing home must do so by order of their physician. Residents have the right to designate a personal physician of their choice. Unfortunately, not all physicians will follow their patients into nursing homes. It is important that a potential nursing home resident determine whether or not his or her physician will continue treatment after admission. If not, the resident may select a physician from among those who practice at the nursing home or those who would be willing to practice in the home. You may continue to see a physician outside of the home. Please, consult the nursing home regulations HFS 132.61 Medical Services (2) for more information. The State Regulations can be found online at the Department of Health and Family Services: http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us
Choosing A Nursing Home
Pre-admission role of the Physician and level of care:
It is important to know the level and type of care the patient needs before beginning to shop for an appropriate nursing home. A physical exam will determine this level of care and is required before a resident can be admitted to a nursing home, or within 48 hours after admission. The examination will include chest x-ray or skin test for tuberculosis. The chest x-ray or skin test must be done no longer than 90 days prior to admission. The results of the physical exam should determine what level of care is required, what treatments or therapies are indicated and the resident's rehabilitation potential.
2. Select a desirable geographic location and develop a list of possible facilities:
A familiar and convenient location encourages visits by family and friends. New residents may feel less removed from normal surroundings. You may receive a list by geographic location from this site when searching by location. You may e-mail us with your request and we will send you a listing. (Please include the area you need and include your name, address and a day-time phone number.) You may also talk to physicians, clergy and friends for recommendations. If entering from a hospital, ask the social worker for suggestions and possible assistance.
3. Find out about the homes on the list:
Currently there is no official public rating of nursing homes in Wisconsin. Nursing homes are inspected yearly or more depending upon prior inspections or complaints. State inspection records are available to the public at the State offices of Bureau of Quality Assurance. Milwaukee's office is at 819 N. 6th St., Rm. 860. Interfaith's Living Options Program maintains a file of current summaries of the annual State Inspection Reports for the 7 counties in southeastern Wisconsin. The report is provided over the phone when calling us at (414) 291-7500.
There is a Federal website which contains the Federal deficiencies as issued by the inspectors. However, it does not contain any State violations that may have been issued. We suggest that you call Interfaith for the complete summary.
4. Calling the homes on the list:
Careful telephone screening eliminates the necessity of visiting every nursing home on the list. You want to visit at least two homes. Ask to speak to the person in charge of admissions.
You need to find out:
Does the home provide the type of care the physician indicates is needed?
For mental health and developmentally disabled persons what assessments need to be made?
Does the home accept Medicare or Medicaid?
Will they accept a new Medicaid patient or how long must other payments be made before Medicaid will be accepted?
Does the facility have any openings? If not, how long is the waiting list. What is their procedure of coming off the waiting list? You do have the option, when appropriate, of changing homes.
5. If the home sounds appropriate, make an appointment to visit the home.
If possible, make the appointment for mid morning. By 10 am the residents who are not in bed should be up, dressed and involved in some sort of activity. This is a good time to visit therapy rooms as well. You may want to return for a second visit, unannounced and at a different time. You may want to observe some things that are important to you or were not available when you first visited. You may want to observe a meal time, evening or a weekend time. This may be a good opportunity to stop and casually talk to other visitors who have residents in the home.
If possible, include the prospective resident in the visit as well. If not, it is always a good idea to take another person with you for the tour. A second pair of eyes and ears can be helpful and often 'two heads are better than one'.
If a visit to a home cannot be made because of transportation problems, ask if they can provide transportation for you.
6. Touring the nursing home: click here for detailed check off list to use when touring
Tour the facility slowly and carefully and Look! Listen! Smell! Ask!
LOOK AROUND
Are residents' nails, hair and clothing clean?
Are they involved in something?
Are common areas relaxing and cheerful?
Are drapes, furniture, walls clean?
Does the food look appetizing?
Are staff helping feed those residents needing this help?
Ask for a sample weekly menu.
LISTEN
Is general level of sound in halls moderate?
Do the paging system, staff voices, etc. affect sound levels unnecessarily?
Does staff speak with residents as adults, and not children?
SMELL
Are odors localized or pervasive throughout the facility ?
Are strong chemical deodorants used to 'cover up'?
ASK
Request a copy of Residents' Bill of Rights.
Request their Nursing Home Report for staffing percentages, turnover and retention rates.
Will Medicare cover anything?
Does the Nursing home manage funds if resident is unable?
Who Licenses and Regulates Nursing homes?
What are the types of licensed facilities and the type of care provided?
What does Title 19 NOT pay for?
Agencies or organizations that may be of additional assistance