Things You Should Consider When Looking for a Clean Nursing Home

Nobody likes seeing their loved one move into an Assisted Living or Nursing Facility. However, when circumstances necessitate a move to a long term care facility there are always concerns about abuse or poor conditions. Having worked as a Director of Environmental Services in a Long Term Care Facility, I have seen the "behind the scenes" of nursing home and assisted living cleaning and maintenance and would like to offer a few pointers to concerned family members.

Check Corners

Check corners for dust or debris. Dirty corners indicate poor or infrequent mopping. If the room appears clean, check the corners in the bathroom and closet. Corners are often neglected by Nursing Home housekeepers despite frequent inspections by supervisors and Department Heads.

Pull Out Furniture

Pull out night stands, dressers and TV Stands. While housekeeping typically cleans every room daily, sometimes rushed housekeepers neglect to clean behind furniture in their daily routine. Pay special attention to what is found when you move furniture. Dust is a sign that the area is frequently neglected by housekeeping staff, while insects can be an indication of something worse. Ants often indicate improperly stored food.

Look Under Beds

Looking under beds is very important. Sometimes debris is swept under beds rather than being properly collected. Once again, attention should be paid to looking for dust or insects.

Check for High Dust

Reach up and check the tops of dressers, closet shelves, blinds, window sills and tops of mirrors and lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. These items should be dusted and disinfected every few days.

What to do if you find something

If you should find dust, debris or insects in a room, the quickest way to remedy the situation is to ask to speak to the Director of Environmental Services or an Environmental Supervisor. Making complaints to Nursing Staff will most likely result in a slower response to the complaint since it would have to go to the Director of Nursing before being relayed to the Director of Environmental Services who, in turn, will direct housekeepers to fix the problem.

Finding dust in locations is a matter that can be remedied fast through the Director of Environmental Services. Finding insects should also be reported to the Environmental