Please use the
following checklist to assist you in comparing assisted
living communities. Ideally, both caregiver and care
recipient will be involved in the selection process. It
will make the adjustment to a new environment easier,
and help your loved one continue to be part of the
planning process.
Evaluating the
Assisted Living residence as you tour the facility.
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Do you like the
location and outward appearance of the facility?
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On entering, is
your first impression that of an attractive,
home-like atmosphere?
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Does the
residence appear clean, free of odors, and is there
climate control for heat and cooling?
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How did Staff
greet you?
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Do the residents
appear to be happy and comfortable?
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Were you given
an opportunity to talk with some residents, and
discuss how they liked the facility and the staff,
and how they are treated?
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How are the
residents dressed? Are they presentable, and do they
socialize with each other?
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Does the staff
appear friendly, outgoing? Do they answer questions
appropriately?
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What sort of
activities are available for the residents? Do they
seem appropriate for the residents?
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What are
visiting hours? Is there any restriction on when
residents may receive visitors?
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Are there
recreational and community rooms? And are they free
of clutter?
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What do the
residents’ rooms look like? Is there enough space to
hold some favorite belongings?
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Is there
sufficient closet and storage space for each
resident?
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Are there
accommodations for privacy for the residents?
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Are all areas
easily accessible with wheelchairs or walkers
including doorways and hallways?
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Are there
handrails or grab bars to aid in walking? Is there
an elevator available for those who need it?
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Are the
bathrooms easy to navigate in?
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Are cupboards
easy to reach?
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What are the
meals like? Is there an opportunity for input by the
residents?
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How does the
facility accommodate the special dietary needs of
the residents?
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Is there a copy
of the Residents Bill of Rights displayed
prominently?
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Does the
residence comply with local and/or state
requirements?
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How long after
admission is the resident plan of care written?
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Are resident and
family involved in developing the care plan?
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How are the
resident’s need for services determined, and how
often are they reassessed?
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What are the
resident’s responsibilities regarding the plan of
care? Can they be discharged for non-compliance?
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Is there a
policy for disciplinary action for the residents?
What of the staff, what is the facilities policy on
disciplinary action for protocol infractions by
staff?
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Is there a
resident advocate available to discuss problems or
concerns?
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What is the cost
of the services? What are billing, payment and
credit policies?
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Are there any
government or other programs available to help cover
the cost of services to the resident?
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What services
are included in the contract? Are there personal
care, health care, accommodations and support
services?
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What are the
arrangements for medical follow up with the
resident’s doctor?
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May the resident
maintain their current physician, or does the
facility require the use of a staff physician?
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Does the
resident need to have an Advance Directive for
Health Care in place?
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What is the
facility’s policy on “Do Not Resuscitate” orders?
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What hidden
costs are there? Are there different costs for
various levels of care or categories of service?
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How do you pay
for additional services?
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Are residents
able to handle their own finances, with minimal
assistance of staff, if they are capable, or does a
family member or outside party need to be designated
to do so?
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What is the
policy on insurance and personal property?
-
What is the
resident staff ratio? How does this compare to state
and local licensing requirements?
As you can see, not
all of these items can be checked off. They may require
more thought or investigation, and certainly a long
answer. We do hope, however, that this list will get you
thinking about important considerations when choosing an
assisted living facility.
