Assisted Living Checklist
What to look for when selecting an assisted living facility
Assisted living is for adults who need help with everyday tasks. They may need help with dressing, bathing, eating, or using the bathroom, but they don't need full-time nursing care.
Some assisted living facilities are part of retirement communities. Others are near nursing homes, so a person can move easily if needs change.
Assisted living costs less than nursing home care. It is still fairly expensive. Older people or their families usually foot the bill. Health and long-term care insurance policies may cover some of the costs. Medicare does not cover the costs of assisted living.
Selecting an assisted living facility is a big decision. Use the following checklist to help you make a decision on choosing a facility.
Atmosphere
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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 decor 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? |
Physical Features
| 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? |
Contracts, Costs and Finances
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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? |
Medication and Health Care
| 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? |
Services
| 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? |
Individual Unit Features
| 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? |
Dining
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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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