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FULL
CIRCLE OF CARE CAREGIVER WEBSITE
www.fullcirclecare.org
What
to Look for When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility
| Atmosphere |
Yes |
No
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| Good
location |
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| Attractive
appearance outside |
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| Attractive
appearance inside |
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| Residents
socialize with each other and appear happy and comfortable |
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| Staff
is appropriately dressed |
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| Staff
is personable and outgoing and helpful |
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| Staff
act in a professional manner |
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| Visits
with residents are welcome at any time |
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| Decor
in the common areas is clean, attractive, and acceptable to you |
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| You
feel comfortable within this environment |
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| Physical
Features |
Yes
|
No
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| The
building is designed to meet resident needs |
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| The
floor plan is easy to follow |
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| Doorways
and hallways are accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers |
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| If
applicable, elevators are available for those who can’t use the
stairs |
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| Hand
rails are available to aid in walking |
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| Cupboards
and shelves are easy to reach |
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| Floors
are of a non-skid material and carpets are firm and secure |
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| Lighting
is good |
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| Clean
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| Odor
free |
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| Appropriately
heated and cooled |
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| Exits
are clearly marked |
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| Doors
and windows are lockable |
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| There
are no noticeable hazards to your safety |
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| Emergency
response information posted |
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| Individual
Unit Features |
Yes
|
No
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| Are
different sizes and types of units available? |
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| Are
units for single and double occupancy available? |
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| Can
couples live together in the same room? |
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| Do
you have any input about your roommate assignment, if applicable?
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| Do
residents have their own lockable doors? |
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| Is
a 24-hour emergency response system accessible from the unit? |
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| Are
bathrooms private? |
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| Do
bathrooms accommodate wheelchairs and walkers? |
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| Do
bathrooms have grab bars? |
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| Are
residents allowed to bring their own furnishings? |
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| Do
all units have a telephone? |
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| Do
all units have cable TV? (inquire about billing if the answer is yes)
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| Do
residents have kitchen units or access to a common kitchen? |
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| May
residents keep food in their units? |
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| Is
smoking allowed? (In rooms? In common areas?) |
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| Food
Service |
Yes |
No |
| Three
nutritionally balanced meals are provided daily, seven days/week |
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| Snacks
available |
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| May
a resident request special foods? |
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| Are
common dining areas available? |
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| Are
dining areas clean? |
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| May
residents eat their meals in their units? |
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| Is
there a set time for meals or may a resident decide when to eat? |
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| Food
looks good |
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| Food
smells good |
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| Food
portions look appropriate |
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| Social
and Recreational Activities |
Yes
|
No
|
| Is
there evidence of an organized activities program, such as a posted
schedule, events in progress, reading materials, etc.? |
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| Do
residents participate in activities outside of the facility? |
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| Do
volunteers, including family members, help with or conduct activities?
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| Are
residents required to participate in activities? |
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| Are
residents’ pets allowed to live in the facility? |
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| Are
residents’ pets allowed to visit in the facility? |
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| Does
the facility have a resident pet? |
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| Is
transportation provided to other facilities for activities? |
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| Is
transportation provided within the community as needed? |
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| Are
provided activities in line with what you enjoy? |
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| Do
you think you would be comfortable interacting with the residents?
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| Medication,
Health Care, and Needs Assessment |
Yes
|
No
|
| Residence
has specific policies regarding medication such as, storage of, assistance
with, training of staff, supervision of staff, and record keeping
|
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| Is
self-administration of medication allowed? |
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| A
staff person is available to coordinate home care visits from a nurse,
physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc. if needed
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| Trained
staff is available to assist residents who experience memory, orientation,
or judgment losses
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| A
physician or nurse regularly visits the residents |
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| Residence
has a clearly stated procedure for responding to a resident’s
medical emergency |
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| A
list of all offered services is provided |
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| Staff
is available to provide 24-hour assistance with activities of daily
living (dressing, eating, mobility, hygiene, grooming, bathing, etc.)
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| Transportation
to Doctor appointments is provided |
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| Housekeeping
service for individual units is provided |
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| Pharmacy,
barber/beautician and/or physical therapy services are offered on-site
or transportation can be arranged with short notice |
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| Written
plan of care for each resident |
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| Residence
has a process for assessing a potential resident’s need for services |
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| Residence
has a process for ensuring needs and services are reevaluated periodically
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| The
process includes the resident, his or her family, facility staff, and the
resident’s physician |
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| There
is sufficient staff to meet the resident’s needs |
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|
Contracts, Costs, and Finances |
Yes |
No
|
| May
a contract be terminated? |
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| Is
there refund language in the contract? |
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| Are
other sources of money available to help pay for service such as government,
private, or corporate programs? |
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| If
the resident’s needs change, would additional services be available? |
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| If
nursing care or other care is needed on a temporary basis, is there
a method in place to pay for these services? |
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| Are
there different costs for various levels or categories of service?
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| Are
residents required to purchase renters’ insurance for personal
property in their units? |
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| Are
there any other fees or charges? |
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