How Do I Make an Assisted Living Checklist?

If you or an elderly or handicapped loved one needs to find an assisted living facility, there may be several facilities in your area to choose from or none at all. A decision needs to be made based on the facility itself along with the care received, the cost, the atmosphere and the proximity to where home used to be or where family lives. Make a checklist of things to find out about in order to make a wise choice.

Facility

• First impressions are lasting ones. Evaluate the appearance of the facility inside and out. Does the arrangement of the facility suit the person who might be moving there? Does each room or apartment have ample room for desired furniture,? Does it contain a kitchen or kitchenette? Does the bathroom have safety grab bars? Are laundry facilities close by? Check the distance to community and dining areas as well as access to attractive outdoor areas. Make sure the facility has an elevator, if there is more than one floor in the building. Check the license of the facility--look for certificates of licensing to be displayed. Check to see that emergency procedures and escape routes are posted.

Cost

• Determine the entire cost to the person who may be moving to an assisted living facility. Get the costs, methods of payment, any upfront costs and any fees that might be extra. Ask if cable or satellite television, phone and computer access are included in the basic cost. Ask if all utilities, housekeeping and personal care needs are also covered. You want to avoid any surprises down the road.

Location

• Think about the location of each facility that you (or you and your loved one) visit. Is it important to stay in the resident's hometown? Are buses available for travel to doctors' appointments, shopping trips or other outings? Is the facility close enough to family, friends, familiar doctors and church? Also consider if the facility is too close or too far from a city, a business district or other places of interest. Is there a potential for unwanted noise, such as nearby ballparks or racing arenas?

Staff

• Notice staff members. Are they friendly and respectful? How does the way they are dressed reflect the facility's professionalism? Would they be easily recognized as staff members? Listen closely to determine if it seems that the staff members talk about the residents in a bad way or treat them roughly. Does the staff seem to get along as a cohesive group? Would it be a pleasure to be around them day-after-day?

Care

• Make sure the facility provides better-than-average care. Is there an emergency button or cord in personal living areas? Does the staff provide bath help if needed? Is housekeeping done on a regular basis? Is the resident allowed to perform his own tasks as he is able? Is there regular doctor and nursing care from an outside the facility? Does someone administer or help residents with medications? Is a resident able to contact a doctor when she wants? Talk to other residents about the care received at this facility. Direct questions to the director and other staff members about anything of concern before committing to a contract.