Questions to Ask at a Nursing Home Care Plan Meeting
Ask these questions to align on goals, daily routines, safety, medical care, and dignity for your loved one.
1What are the current care goals and how are they measured?
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What are the current care goals and how are they measured?
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Why this works
Clarifies outcomes and progress indicators beyond general wellbeing.
2What changes have you noticed since the last review?
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What changes have you noticed since the last review?
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Why this works
Surfaces trends in mobility, mood, cognition, or appetite.
3How is pain assessed and managed day-to-day?
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How is pain assessed and managed day-to-day?
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Why this works
Ensures consistent monitoring and timely adjustments.
4What is the plan for fall prevention and safe transfers?
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What is the plan for fall prevention and safe transfers?
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Why this works
Protects from common injuries via equipment and staffing protocols.
5How are medications reconciled and reviewed for interactions?
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How are medications reconciled and reviewed for interactions?
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Why this works
Checks pharmacist oversight and deprescribing steps where appropriate.
6What does a typical day look like, including activities and social time?
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What does a typical day look like, including activities and social time?
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Why this works
Aims for engagement, not just custodial care.
7How are personal preferences documented (food, routines, communication)?
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How are personal preferences documented (food, routines, communication)?
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Why this works
Preserves dignity and individualized care.
8Who should we contact for updates and what is the expected response time?
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Who should we contact for updates and what is the expected response time?
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Why this works
Sets clear communication channels and expectations.
9What is the current skin integrity plan and frequency of checks?
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What is the current skin integrity plan and frequency of checks?
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Why this works
Prevents pressure injuries with proactive monitoring.
10What rehabilitation or therapy services are in place?
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What rehabilitation or therapy services are in place?
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Why this works
Aligns PT/OT/ST frequency with goals and coverage.
11How are behavioral changes handled and documented?
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How are behavioral changes handled and documented?
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Why this works
Ensures non-pharmacological approaches and family loop-in.
12What would trigger a care plan update between meetings?
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What would trigger a care plan update between meetings?
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Why this works
Defines thresholds for rapid reassessment and escalation.
Care Plan Advocacy
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.