Assisted Living Checklist
Selecting an assisted living facility is a big decision. Use the following checklist to help you make a decision on choosing a facility.
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As you arrive at the residence, do you like its location and outward appearance? |
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| As you enter the lobby and tour the residence, is the décor attractive and homelike? | |
| Did you receive a warm greeting from staff welcoming you to the residence? | |
| Does the administrator/staff call residents by name and interact warmly with them as you tour the residence? | |
| Do residents socialize with each other and appear happy and comfortable? | |
| Are you able to talk with residents about how they like the residence and staff? | |
| Would residents be appropriate neighbors for you or your loved one? | |
| Are staff personable and friendly? | |
| Are visitors welcome at any time? |
| Is the community well designed for residents' needs? | |
| Is it easy to find your way around? | |
| Are doorways, hallways and rooms accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers? | |
| Are elevators available for those unable to use stairways? | |
| Are handrails available to aid in walking? | |
| Are cupboards and shelves easy to reach? | |
| Are floors of a nonskid material and carpets firm to ease walking? | |
| Does the residence have good natural and artificial lighting? | |
| Is the residence clean, free of odors, and comfortably heated/cooled? | |
| Is there a secure environment for wanderers? | |
| Is an outdoor recreation area available? |
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Is there a Contract/Resident agreement available for review? |
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Is a contract/Resident Agreement available to include accommodations, personal care, health care and support services? |
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When may a contract/Resident Agreement be terminated and what are the refund policies? |
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| Is there any government, private or corporate programs available to help cover the cost of services to the resident? | |
| Are additional services available if the residents' needs change? | |
| What is the procedure to pay for additional services like nursing care when the services are needed on a temporary basis? | |
| Are there different costs for various levels or categories of service? | |
| How are they determined? | |
| Do billing, payment and credit policies seem fair and reasonable? | |
| May residents handle their own finances with staff assistance if able, or should a family member or outside party be designated to do so? | |
| Are residents required to purchase renters' insurance for personal property in their units? |
| What are the policies regarding storage of medication, assistance with medication, training and supervision of staff? | |
| Is self-administration of medications allowed? Can medication be kept in the resident's room? How is it monitored? | |
| How do you coordinate visits from the physician, nurse, hospice, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and others? | |
| Are trained staff available to assist residents who experience memory, orientation or judgement losses? How are they trained? | |
| What is the procedure for responding to a resident's medical emergency? |
| Is there a process to identify and address residents' needs? | |
| Does this process include residents, their families and residence staff along with the residents' physician? | |
| Ask the residence to provide a list of services available. | |
| Are staff available to provide 24-hour-a-day assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) if needed? ADLs include dressing; eating; mobility; hygiene and grooming; bathing; toileting and incontinence; using the telephone; shopping; and laundry. | |
| Does the residence provide housekeeping services in residents' units? | |
| Does the residence provide transportation to doctors' offices, hairdressers, shopping and other activities desired by residents? | |
| Can residents arrange for transportation on fairly short notice? | |
| Are pharmacy, barber/beautician and/or physical therapy services offered on site? | |
| Are there special programs for those (who) with memory loss? |
| Are different sizes and types of units available? | |
| Are units for single and double occupancy available? | |
| Do units have lockable doors? | |
| Is a 24-hour-a-day emergency response system available in the unit? | |
| Are there private bathrooms with access for walkers and wheelchairs? | |
| Is furniture provided? Are residents able to bring their own furnishings? Is other storage space available? | |
| Do all units have a telephone and cable TV, and how is billing handled? | |
| Is a kitchen area provided with a refrigerator, sink, and cooking appliances? | |
| Are residents allowed to smoke in their units? Is there a designated smoking area? |
Social and Recreational Activities
| Do you see activity programs in progress? Ask for a copy of the schedule. | |
| Can residents participate in activities outside the residence? | |
| Is there a volunteer program? | |
| Are pets allowed in the building? Who is responsible for their care? |
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Are three meals a day offered? |
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Do dining room menus vary from day to day and meal to meal? Ask for a menu. |
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Are snacks and beverages available? |
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May a resident request special foods? Are special diets accomodated? |
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| Are private dining areas available? | |
| Are guest meals available? | |
| May residents eat meals in their units? Is there an additional charge? | |
| Can meals be provided at a time a resident would like, or are there set times for meals? | |
| Can residents have alcoholic beverages? |
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