Information Needed for Nursing Home Admission

Nursing homes often require many different types of documentation when accepting new residents. This is done both for the safety and comfort of the patient being admitted, as well as to protect the health and well-being of those already living at the facility.

The Physician's Order

• No one can be admitted to a nursing home without a physician's order. This document states the reason why a doctor feels that nursing home care is necessary for that patient. The order can come from a physician who was following the patient in a hospital, or from the patient's private doctor in the community.

A History and Physical

• A medical history of the patient is also an important item for nursing homes. This lets the facility know the status of any illnesses or conditions present in the patient, as well as the results of past treatments. A physical examination provides a report regarding the patient's condition upon admission, so that any changes henceforth can be carefully monitored.

List of Medications

• Nursing homes need to know what medications a prospective resident is taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. In addition, past medications can be listed, including any adverse reactions the patient had to them.