nursing home resident welfare checklist

Resident Health and Well-Being

Assess vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure)

Review medication administration records for accuracy

Conduct a pain assessment

Evaluate nutritional intake and hydration levels

Monitor weight changes and report significant fluctuations

Personal Hygiene and Grooming

Ensure residents receive daily bathing or showering assistance

Check oral hygiene practices and dental care

Confirm grooming routines for hair, nails, and skin care

Assess the need for assistance with dressing and undressing

Social and Emotional Support

Evaluate resident participation in social activities

Check for signs of loneliness or depression

Facilitate family visits and communication

Encourage engagement with staff and other residents

Safety and Environment

Inspect resident rooms for hazards (clutter, cords, etc.)

Ensure proper functioning of call bells and assistive devices

Review emergency evacuation plans with residents

Check for adequate lighting in common areas and hallways

Here are some additional steps that could be included in the Safety and Environment section of the nursing home resident welfare checklist

Ensure that handrails are securely installed and accessible in hallways and stairwells

Conduct regular fire drills to familiarize residents and staff with evacuation procedures

Inspect bathrooms for slip-resistant flooring and grab bars

Verify that all medication storage areas are locked and secure

Ensure that all emergency exits are clearly marked and unobstructed

Check that first aid kits are fully stocked and easily accessible

Conduct regular maintenance checks on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems

Assess outdoor areas for safe walking paths and proper maintenance of landscaping

Confirm that all residents have access to personal emergency contact information

Review and update safety protocols with staff on a regular basis

Staffing and Care Plan Review

Verify staff-to-resident ratios meet regulatory standards

Review individual care plans for updates and changes

Conduct regular staff training on resident care and safety

Gather feedback from residents regarding care quality

Emergency Preparedness

Ensure first aid kits are stocked and accessible

Review and practice emergency procedures with staff

Conduct regular fire drills and safety checks

Maintain updated contact information for residents and families

Here are some additional steps that could be included in the Emergency Preparedness section of the nursing home resident welfare checklist

Develop and distribute an emergency contact list for staff and emergency services

Ensure all staff are trained in CPR and basic first aid techniques

Create and maintain an evacuation plan that is clearly posted and accessible to all staff

Conduct regular training sessions on how to handle specific emergencies (e.g., severe weather, power outages)

Establish a communication plan for notifying families and authorities during an emergency

Assess and ensure that all residents have a personal emergency plan tailored to their individual needs

Regularly inspect and maintain emergency equipment such as generators, fire extinguishers, and alarms

Designate and train a specific staff member as the emergency coordinator for each shift

Implement a system for tracking resident locations during an evacuation

Schedule routine drills for different types of emergencies (e.g., medical emergencies, natural disasters)

Review and update emergency preparedness plans annually or after any significant incident

Ensure that all residents know the emergency procedures and evacuation routes through orientation and ongoing reminders