What To Look For When
Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

 

 

Atmosphere Yes No
Good location    
Attractive appearance outside    
Attractive appearance inside    
Residents socialize with each other and appear happy and comfortable    
Staff is appropriately dressed    
Staff is personable and outgoing and helpful    
Staff act in a professional manner    
Visits with residents are welcome at any time    
Decor in the common areas is clean, attractive, and acceptable to you    
You feel comfortable within this environment    

 

Physical Features Yes No
The building is designed to meet resident needs    
The floor plan is easy to follow    
Doorways and hallways are accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers    
If applicable, elevators are available for those who can’t use the stairs    
Hand rails are available to aid in walking    
Cupboards and shelves are easy to reach    
Floors are of a non-skid material and carpets are firm and secure    
Lighting is good    
Clean    
Odor free    
Appropriately heated and cooled    
Exits are clearly marked    
Doors and windows are lockable    
There are no noticeable hazards to your safety    
Emergency response information posted    

 

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.?    
Do residents participate in activities outside of the facility?    
Do volunteers, including family members, help with or conduct activities?    
Are residents required to participate in activities?    
Are residents’ pets allowed to live in the facility?    
Are residents’ pets allowed to visit in the facility?    
Does the facility have a resident pet?    
Is transportation provided to other facilities for activities?    
Is transportation provided within the community as needed?    
Are provided activities in line with what you enjoy?    
Do you think you would be comfortable interacting with the residents?    

 

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    
Is self-administration of medication allowed?    
A staff person is available to coordinate home care visits from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc. if needed    
Trained staff is available to assist residents who experience memory, orientation, or judgment losses    
A physician or nurse regularly visits the residents    
Residence has a clearly stated procedure for responding to a resident’s medical emergency    
A list of all offered services is provided    
Staff is available to provide 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living (dressing, eating, mobility, hygiene, grooming, bathing, etc.)    
Transportation to Doctor appointments is provided    
Housekeeping service for individual units is provided    
Pharmacy, barber/beautician and/or physical therapy services are offered on-site or transportation can be arranged with short notice    
Written plan of care for each resident    
Residence has a process for assessing a potential resident’s need for services    
Residence has a process for ensuring needs and services are reevaluated periodically    
The process includes the resident, his or her family, facility staff, and the resident’s physician    
There is sufficient staff to meet the resident’s needs    

 

Contracts, Costs, and Finances Yes No
May a contract be terminated?    
Is there refund language in the contract?    
Are other sources of money available to help pay for service such as government, private, or corporate programs?    
If the resident’s needs change, would additional services be available?    
If nursing care or other care is needed on a temporary basis, is there a method in place to pay for these services?    
Are there different costs for various levels or categories of service?    
Are residents required to purchase renters’ insurance for personal property in their units?    
Are there any other fees or charges?    
 

 

This checklist is an adaptation of one presented by "Careguide".

 

Be sure to read and consider the Residency Agreement as part of your evaluation.

 

 

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