Facility and environment
Every item here is something a person can stand in front of and check. That is deliberate: the physical plant is where the most preventable harm lives, and it is the part of a facility an off-site owner never sees.
43 items in 9 categories. This is the source list, in full, in the order it is walked. Nothing is summarized away.
Resident Safety
Category 1 of 54 · 7 items
- Hot water temperature checks (≤ 120°F to prevent scalding)
- Emergency exits clearly marked and accessible
- Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors operational
- Handrails and grab bars securely installed
- Adequate lighting in hallways and common areas
- Proper functioning of call buttons in resident rooms
- Wheelchair accessibility throughout the facility
Infection Control
Category 2 of 54 · 6 items
- Regular cleaning schedule followed for resident rooms
- Disinfectant available in high-traffic areas
- Communicable disease screening for residents
- Staff hand hygiene compliance
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by staff
- Laundry facilities maintain hygiene standards
Kitchen & Dining Areas
Category 3 of 54 · 5 items
- Food storage temperatures maintained (cold: ≤ 40°F, hot: ≥ 140°F)
- Food preparation surfaces sanitized
- Expired food discarded appropriately
- Dining areas clean and free of debris
- Safe water supply (check for lead, contaminants)
Bathrooms
Category 4 of 54 · 4 items
- Cleanliness of resident bathrooms
- Safe water temperature for resident use
- Non-slip mats or flooring installed in shower areas
- Functioning and accessible grab bars in showers and near toilets
Common Areas
Category 5 of 54 · 4 items
- Floors free of trip hazards (wires, rugs, spills)
- Furniture in good condition (no sharp edges or broken parts)
- Adequate ventilation and air quality in common spaces
- Clear and visible evacuation maps posted
Resident Rooms
Category 6 of 54 · 5 items
- Clean linens and beddings
- Proper room ventilation (temperature control: 68-72°F)
- Room free from clutter and fall hazards
- Personal belongings organized and stored safely
- Mobility aids (walkers, canes) in good condition
Staff Areas
Category 7 of 54 · 3 items
- Staff rooms clean and stocked with PPE
- Training materials and compliance logs accessible
- Staff lockers and storage areas clean and organized
Medication Storage & Administration
Category 8 of 54 · 4 items
- Medications stored in locked, secure cabinets
- Expired medications properly disposed of
- Accurate medication administration records
- Compliance with pharmacy storage guidelines (e.g., temperature control)
Outdoor Areas
Category 9 of 54 · 5 items
- Sidewalks and paths free of debris and cracks
- Proper lighting in outdoor walkways
- Secure fencing around the property (if needed)
- Emergency vehicle access maintained
- Outdoor furniture safe and clean
Where this sits
This is one of seven groups in the review. The safety review · all 54 categories.
Ask for a safety review of your facility
A CareGuard safety review walks the building against 189 items in 54 categories and reports what it finds to you, not to your site manager. The registration form takes the facility and a contact for the ownership group; scope is settled in the conversation that follows.