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.

Dan Goodman testifies before legislative committee

KABC Testifies Before Bethell Committee

By Libby Hastings • October 16, 2025
On Monday, October 13th, Dan Goodman, Executive Director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC), delivered testimony before the Robert G. Bethell Joint Committee on Home & Community Based Services & KanCare Oversight. His remarks focused on the urgent need to strengthen Kansas’ long-term care system through sustainable funding and workforce investments. Goodman urged legislators to provide additional funding for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Frail Elderly waiver , noting projected shortfalls of $27 million in FY26 and $70 million in FY27. Without intervention, hundreds of older Kansans could face placement on a waitlist as early as this fall—delaying access to critical in-home services and increasing the risk of premature institutionalization. He also highlighted the need to support and stabilize the state’s long-term care workforce by exploring innovative approaches used in other states. For example, New Mexico’s Competitive Pay for Professionals program has helped attract and retain workers by linking higher wages to improved reimbursement rates and accountability measures. Goodman suggested Kansas consider similar models to strengthen its caregiving workforce and ensure providers can offer competitive pay. KABC remains committed to advocating for policies that promote quality care, protect older adults, and sustain a strong, well-supported caregiving system across Kansas. Read KABC’s full testimony here: View Testimony (PDF) Watch a full recording of the committee here: YouTube Link

Legislative Update: Nursing Home Oversight in Kansas

By Libby Hastings • October 6, 2025
On October 1st and 2nd, the 2025 Special Committee on Health and Social Services met, with the first day devoted to nursing home surveying and credentialing. The joint committee of both House and Senate members heard from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, industry representatives from Kansas and out of state, administrators, and contractors. Notably absent were the voices of consumers, their family members, and facility staff , the people most affected by long-term care policy. The committee heard information about: Survey Backlogs and Staffing Challenges KDADS contracts with the federal government to inspect adult care homes for health and safety compliance. KDADS has struggled for years to meet federal requirements, due in large part to recruiting and retaining nurse surveyor positions. More than half of the 60 approved positions were vacant earlier this year. As a result, Kansas currently averages 19.9 months between nursing home inspections , far beyond the federal requirement of 12-15.9 months. With just over 300 federally licensed facilities in the state, timely inspections are critical to protecting residents. To address this, KDADS eliminated 15 vacant positions and raised starting pay: up to $60,000 for multidisciplinary surveyors and $67,000 for RNs . The agency is also considering incentives to encourage more RNs to work as surveyors. Kansas has one of the highest rates of the most serious deficiencies, known as Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) deficiencies, in the nation , citations for situations where resident health and safety are at serious risk. The committee explored the possibility of privatizing the survey process. Resident Rights at Risk Testimony also revealed troubling practices in some nursing homes, including charging residents $200–$300 per month in “pharmacy provider” or “medication set-up” fees if they choose to use an outside pharmacy. This practice undermines residents’ right to choose their own providers and unfairly penalizes private-pay residents, already shouldering an average of $7,000–$8,000 per month in nursing home costs. Involuntary Discharges and the Ombudsman’s Recommendation The Long-Term Care Ombudsman urged lawmakers to expand discharge reporting requirements. As she noted: “Federal regulations require a notice to be sent to our office for a facility-initiated transfer (involuntary discharge) in federally licensed nursing homes, but that is not the case for state licensed homes, assisted livings, home pluses and residential health care facilities. With the help of our office, we can often help resolve the reason for the discharge notice to prevent a resident transfer or support the resident to ensure a transition occurs safely.” The committee heard concerns from representatives of the nursing home industry and decided to delay making a recommendation on this issue, noting that additional information is needed. KABC has advocated for not only strengthening the reporting requirements but also giving residents of assisted living facilities the same right to appeal an involuntary discharge that nursing home residents enjoy. Raising the Personal Needs Allowance The Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for nursing home residents is a monthly stipend that Medicaid recipients can use for personal expenses. In Kansas, the PNA is just $62 per month. Many residents express concern that this amount is insufficient to cover basic personal expenses such as haircuts or undergarments. An immediate increase to the allowance is needed, along with an ongoing adjustment to keep pace with rising costs. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman recommended a PNA increase to the national average of $72 with an additional annual Cost of Living Adjustment. KABC’s Position KABC will continue to advocate for: • Strong oversight of nursing homes. • Resident rights protections, including freedom of choice in providers. • Central inclusion of residents and staff voices in all policy discussions. You can watch the hearing on the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel here . KABC will continue to monitor these conversations closely as the 2026 legislative session approaches.