How to compare assisted living facilities

An assisted living facility is designed to help people who are no longer capable of living on their own. Facilities provide residents with services including meals and medical care. If you or a loved one find yourself in need of an assisted living facility you often have many choices. Investigate your options closely. The right assisted living facility can make life easier for both the resident and loved ones.

Instructions

• 1

  Research assisted living facilities in your area. Many assisted living facilities have websites. The site should provide you with information such as the number of beds, the number of staff members and the kinds of amenities offered. Contact the facilities and ask for more information. Many will be happy to send you a detailed packet with more information about the kinds of meals served, the medical services offered and the recreational amenities offered to residents each week.

• 2

  Make an appointment to tour the facilities that seem promising. Call the facilities that you want to consider. Ask for a guided tour. A staff member should be available to assist you. The staff member will show you a typical room, give you a walk through of recreation areas, show you the cafeteria and let you speak with other staff members. Take careful notes as you visit. Look at the details. Note whether there are unpleasant odors in the air as you walk. Watch patient and caregiver interactions. Listen to the sounds of patients during the visit. If anything seems unpleasant or amiss ask direct questions about what is being done to remedy the problems.

• 3

  Request a detailed list of costs. Each facility should be able to provide you with a list of costs. The list should indicate how much you or your loved one may expect to be charged each month. Costs should be divided and detailed. Basic services such as a shared room and meals should be in writing. The list should also indicate the price for more deluxe amenities such as a private room and bath. Potential residents should be informed about who is expected to pay for the services provided. Medicare may pick up some of the costs. A person may also have private long-term care insurance.

• 4

  Request a list of services provided. Typical services include medical, meals and recreational activities. Some patients may require more advanced services such as private nursing to help with recovery after a stroke. All the facilities should be able to provide detailed information about access to medical care and the kind of daily activities residents may expect when living there.