Enter your email and we’ll send you the free, printable PDF to take on every visit — the questions to ask, the red flags to walk away from, and a cost worksheet to compare up to three homes. You can also read the full checklist below.
1 · Before you visit
- Written down the exact care needed — basic supervision, skilled nursing, dementia care, or post-op rehab. (Not sure? See Which Care?)
- Shortlisted 3–4 facilities that actually provide that level of care.
- Checked each home is JKM-registered or holds an MOH licence — and asked to see the certificate.
- Set a realistic monthly budget, including extras (diapers, physio, medication).
- Booked an in-person visit — and planned one unannounced drop-in too.
2 · On the visit — what to look for
- No strong smell of urine or faeces (a smell often signals understaffing).
- Residents look clean, comfortable, and engaged — not sedated or fearful when staff approach.
- Enough staff on the floor; someone responds quickly when a resident needs help.
- Kitchen is clean and meals are cooked on-site; you saw or asked about the day’s menu.
- Rooms are ventilated, beds are clean, and there are handrails and non-slip floors.
- Clear fire exits, a first-aid setup, and a visible emergency plan.
- The nearest hospital is close, and staff know exactly which one they use.
3 · Questions to ask the manager
- What is the nurse-to-resident ratio — day and night?
- Is a registered nurse on duty overnight?
- What qualifications do the caregivers hold?
- How do you handle a medical emergency at 3am?
- How are medications stored, given, and recorded?
- What activities and physiotherapy are included each week?
- What is the full monthly cost — and what is not included?
- Can I visit any time, or only during set hours?
- What happens if my relative’s condition gets worse?
4 · Red flags — walk away
- No JKM registration or MOH licence they can show you.
- Pressure to sign a contract or pay a deposit on the first visit.
- Refusal to let you visit unannounced or see the resident areas.
- Staff can’t answer basic questions about residents’ daily routines.
- No registered nurse on duty for a home offering “nursing” care.
- Residents left alone for long periods, or call bells going unanswered.
- Vague answers about cost, or fees that keep changing.
5 · Cost & fees worksheet
Fill this in for each home — the base fee is rarely the real cost. (Typical Malaysian nursing home fees run about RM 1,500–10,800/month; see the cost guide.)
| Item (RM / month) | Home A | Home B | Home C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base fee (room type: ______) | |||
| Deposit (one-off) | |||
| Diapers / continence | |||
| Physiotherapy | |||
| Medication / consumables | |||
| Doctor visits | |||
| Laundry / transport / other | |||
| Estimated total / month |
6 · Before you sign
- You’ve read the full contract — including notice period and what triggers a fee increase.
- The refund and deposit terms are in writing.
- You know the discharge policy if care needs change.
- You’ve done at least one second visit (ideally unannounced).
- You’ve spoken to a current resident’s family if possible.
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