How to Compare Senior Living Facilities

The mission to find just the right place to live is always problematic, but compounded with the complexities of age and medical needs, the hunt for senior housing may seem daunting. Having the right tools to match conditions and requirements makes the search that much easier.

Checklist

• Define housing needs, whether independent living, nursing home, assisted living, and/or home care. If money or health issues are a factor, make a checklist for comparison. Medicare.gov provides a checklist that can be easily adapted for all housing considerations. (See link in Resources.)

Quality Reports

• Government agencies govern and regulate senior living facilities where quality and safety measures play leading roles in determining rating status. Grades depend on the quality of skilled care, complaint investigations and any repeated problems. Ratings range from five stars for above average to one star for below average.

Visit

• Before making your final decision, ask friends or family for references to senior living facilities. Also, check the nursing home information registry. (See link in Resources.) This list contains helpful information about services, activities and amenities, plus a compilation of inspection problems and complaint investigations. Visit each home or facility to reveal strengths and weaknesses in accordance to your needs.