Questions to Ask When Touring a Long-Term Care Facility

Libby Hastings • May 30, 2024

Choosing a long-term care facility can be a daunting experience. Most people have no idea where to begin. There are so many things to consider! So many questions! KABC has compiled a list of eight important questions to ask and have answered, to help make your decision a bit easier. For more information and additional tips, please check out our resources, “Is This the Nursing Home to Choose?” or “Planning for Better Care.”


1) What is the resident to staff ratio? During your tour, inquire about the number of staff in the facility vs number of residents. A higher staff ratio often means residents receive more personalized care and attention. It can also lead to better outcomes for residents including reduced rates of infection, fewer falls and improved quality of life.


2) How do you handle medical emergencies and provide ongoing care? Medical emergencies can happen at any time. What procedure does the facility have in place for handling emergencies while still providing ongoing care to other residents? Delays or inadequate response can have serious consequences for resident health and well-being. Don’t hesitate to ask! Your loved- one’s safety depends on it!


3) What types of recreational activities and social events do you offer? Quality of life extends beyond medical care. Ask about the activities and other events offered. Social isolation can have a negative impact on a person’s mental and physical health, so it’s important for residents to have opportunities for social engagement and connection. A vibrant community enhances residents’ well-being.


4) What safety measures are in place to prevent falls and accidents? Ensuring safety is paramount for residents in long-term care facilities. Falls are a serious concern, especially if call lights go unanswered. When touring, ask about staff

response times to call lights, and what protocols are in place to prevent falls. If a fall occurs, does staff call 911? Do they attempt to pick up the resident or wait for help? Is the fall reported to the Kansas Dept. for Aging & Disability Services? (FYI - reporting is mandatory.)


5) How do you ensure that residents receive personalized care plans tailored to their needs? During your tour, always ask about the process for creating individualized care plans. Advocate for person-centered care. How does the facility assess resident needs and preferences to make sure they receive the care they require and deserve in a dignified fashion?


6) What is the protocol for administering medications to residents? How do you assure accuracy and compliance? Accurate medication administration/management is vital for the health and safety of residents. Ask how the facility maintains accuracy in dosage and documentation. Understanding these processes can help assure your loved-one receives the right medication at the right time.


7) What are your dining options and meal plans offered, including any special/restricted dietary accommodations? Nutrition tailored to individual need, including religious/cultural belief, food preferences or medically-restricted diets is crucial for the well-being of any resident. Ask how these needs are met. Knowing your loved-one is getting the proper nutrition can provide peace of mind.


8) What types of therapies and rehabilitation services are available on-site for residents who require them? Fostering holistic well-being means addressing both physical and mental health needs in long-term care settings. Ask about the availability of physical, speech and occupational therapy services. Are they available in-house? Do you offer mental health support? Understanding these services can ensure the facility offers multidisciplinary care.

KABC Speaks Out on Problematic Nursing Facilities in Kansas

By Libby Hastings • 10 Jul, 2024
In a recent podcast episode and article with the Kansas Reflector, Dan Goodman, Executive Director, and Libby Hastings, Communication and Public Relations Coordinator, shed light on the critical issues facing nursing facilities in Kansas. Interviewed by Tim Carpenter, they discussed the alarming findings from the Long Term Care Community Coalition's latest data regarding "problem facilities" and the federal staffing mandate from U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This conversation was based on the insights shared in our July e-newsletter Advocacy in Action article and has garnered significant attention. Media outlets and local newspapers in Hays, Dodge City, Ottawa, and Wichita have picked up the Kansas Reflector story, amplifying the urgent need for reform in long-term care. At KABC, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure quality long-term care for all Kansas residents. We invite you to read our article with Tim Carpenter and listen to the podcast episode. Your support and engagement are crucial as we continue to fight for improved care standards. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our supporters and the media for helping us share the harsh realities of nursing homes. Together, we can drive the change needed to ensure safe, dignified, and quality care for all residents in Kansas.

Advocacy in Action (July 2024): Problem Facilities

By Libby Hastings • 05 Jul, 2024
The Long-Term Care Community Coalition (LTCCC) recently released alarming data on the state of nursing facilities across the United States, revealing that nearly one in four nursing homes (24.6%) qualify as "problem facilities." This term encompasses nursing homes that have received a one-star rating on the federal Five-Star Quality Rating System , are part of the Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program or are SFF candidates. These facilities are notable for their substandard care and persistent compliance issues.  National and Kansas-Specific Findings  The data paints a concerning picture of nursing facility care quality nationwide, and Kansas is notably worse than the national average. According to LTCCC's data, out of the 306 nursing facilities in Kansas, 25.2% are classified as "problem facilities", 59.8% of nursing facilities in Kansas are for-profit, and 75% of "problem facilities" in Kansas are for-profit.  The Five-Star Quality Rating System  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) utilizes the Five-Star Quality Rating System to aid consumers in comparing nursing homes. This system rates facilities on a scale from one to five stars, with five-star ratings indicating superior care and one-star ratings flagging the poorest quality. The effectiveness and accuracy of the CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System has been debated among long-term care advocates, residents, and their families. A star rating is composed of three parts: outcomes from the state inspection report, staffing, and quality measures.  For-Profit Facilities and Quality Concerns  The LTCCC report highlights a troubling correlation between for-profit status and lower-quality care. A federal government study , released in November 2023, concluded that for-profit nursing facilities tend to have lower quality ratings, fewer registered nurses, and more safety violations, prompting one to wonder if for-profit facilities prioritize financial returns over patient care. A February 2021 study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that going to a facility owned by a private equity firm increased the chance that a resident would die by 10%, compared with living in another type of facility.  The Special Focus Facility Program  The SFF Program targets nursing facilities with a history of serious quality issues. Facilities are identified based on their performance over the last three standard health survey cycles and three years of complaint surveys. Points are assigned for deficiencies cited during inspections, with higher points given for more severe violations. Those facilities with the highest points become SFF candidates, marking them as requiring significant improvement. The methodology behind the SFF Program is the same as that used for health inspections within the Five-Star Quality Rating System. This rigorous approach ensures that only those facilities with the most concerning track records are selected for intensified oversight.  Implications for Consumers  The LTCCC's findings and data serve as a crucial reminder for consumers to be vigilant when selecting nursing facilities. The prevalence of "problem facilities", especially among for-profit institutions, underscores the importance of thorough research and consideration of a facility's rating and compliance history.  As always, if you would like Consumer Information Reports about any licensed long-term care facility in Kansas, feel free to call or email . There is never a charge for any of our materials.  At KABC, we will continue to advocate for increased staffing, quality care, and financial transparency within for-profit nursing facilities.
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