• What are the requirements for caregivers to work in the home?
• How are the resident’s appearances? How do they look, smell, and feel?
• Make sure the caregivers interact nicely with the residents.
• How long has the manager been operating or running the home?
• How is the employee turnover in this assisted living facility?
• How many caregivers are working in the daytime, at night, and on the weekends?
• How many residents are there in the facility for each caregiver?
• Do the employees speak and understand English or any other needed language?
• Does the staff know how to work with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and dementia?
• Do the caregivers talk to residents in a friendly manner?
• Do the caregivers respond quickly to resident requests?
• How do employees respect resident’s privacy?

The Assisted Living Check List

Overall Quality

Caregivers & Other employees of the home

Following is a checklist for families to use in researching an Assisted Living Facility for their loved ones. Please feel free to use it when accessing our facility as well as others you are interested in.

• What is your impression of the residents and their level of care? Do they seem happy?
• How are the resident’s appearances? How do they look, smell, and feel?
• Are there specific plans for each residents care?
• Does the Assisted living home offer specialized care for special needs like dementia, diabetes?
• Does the home offer visits or access to doctors, RNs, and clinics, etc?
• Is there a plan to respond to medical emergencies?
• Is there a disaster evacuation plan in place?
• Where is the emergency location that the residents will be taken to if they need to be evacuated?

Services provided to residents

• What is the system for distribution of medication?
• Is there a registered Nurse that comes on a regular basis?
• Does the facility provide bed linens and towels?
• Does the facility provide laundry service?

Resident & Family Participation

• Are residents and their families involved in medical assessments, roommate approvals, and care planning sessions?
• What is the grievance and complaint process?
• Can residents select their favorite foods?
• Is there a Ombudsman Program poster and telephone number posted in the home?

Licensure and Certification

Fun Trips and Social Interaction

• Do residents have fun and meaningful activities and events to take part in?
• Is there an activities director (mostly with larger facilities)?
• Are there trips outside of the assisted living home?
• Are there any religious or spiritual activities?

Nutrition for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Is the food fresh?
• Do the residents get help eating and drinking?
• Are residents and their families involved in the food selection process?
• Do the caregivers meet specific dietary needs?
• Are Snacks available that are nutritious?
• Is Fresh Drinking Water available?

Living Space and Accommodations

• How is the overall look and feel of the place?
• How does the home smell bad?
• Climate and temperature control - Heat and Air Conditioning?
• Safety measures such as special showers, locked drawers, safety bars, etc.
• How is security?
• How much space is provided for the sleeping area, living rooms, and dining areas?
• Are the floors slippery?
• Can the home accommodate a wheel chair and walkers?
• Do they have backyards or gardens for resident gardening?
• Do they allow pets in the home? If so, what type of pets and are there additional fees? If not, are pets allowed to visit?

• Is the residence license available to see?
• Have you checked to be sure the license is still in force?

Proximity Accessibility

• What is around the general area of the home?
• Is it easy for family members and visitors to find?
• How far is it for close friends and family?
• How far away is the resident’s doctor and clinic?
• Is there a hospital nearby?
• What are the visiting hours?

Reputation & Vibe

• Are you able to talk to other resident’s families and other references?
• How was the staff in showing you around and answering your questions?
• Are you able to envision you or your loved one living in this home?
• What was your overall gut feeling about the home?

Costs and Financial Matters

• What is included for the base monthly fee?
• Do they accept Supplemental Security Income (SSI) residents?
• How do their prices compare to the competition?
• Are there any hidden, or fees that need to be paid up front?
• Refund policy?
• Do they take Medicaid Waiver?
• Are they approved by the Veterans Administration?
• Do the caregivers drive residents to medical appointments and is there an extra fee?