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Choosing An Assisted Living Residence:
A Consumer’s Guide
Checklist For Consumers And Prospective Residents
When you are looking for an assisted living or residential care setting for
yourself or a loved one, please consider the following checklist to help you
make the best choice.
Service Planning
- Are the family and the resident involved in the service planning
process? How often are residents’ needs assessed? Who completes the
assessment?
- Are there special programs for memory impaired residents and residents
with dementia? Are there accommodations for memory-impaired residents to
be outside and exercise?
- Are there special programs for residents with disabilities?
- How are emergency situations managed? What is the protocol for such events?
- What happens if the health care needs of a resident change? Under what
conditions are residents asked to move if there is a change in health status?
Services and Activities
- Does staff assist residents in administration of medication? If
so, what kind of staff?
- Does the residence generally use a particular pharmacy? If applicable,
does that pharmacy participate in the individual’s Medicare Part D
prescription drug plan? Does the pharmacy provide a yearly review and consultation
services?
- Are there professional nursing services on site? If not, does the staff
assist residents and families in making arrangements through a home health
agency?
- Are the services of a physical, occupational or speech therapist available
or arranged?
- Does the residence provide bed linens and towels?
- Does the facility provide laundry service?
- Are there beauty shop services available on site?
- What recreational and spiritual activities are available? Obtain or review
a copy of the activities calendar.
- Are the activity supplies available for resident use outside of scheduled
programs?
- Is transportation provided for medical appointments and recreational purposes?
Is there a fee?
- Are there resident and family councils? How often do they meet?
- What are the suggestion, complaint, or grievance procedures?
- Can hospice care be offered? If so, does the facility coordinate that
care with the physician and family?
Staff
- Ask about the residence’s staffing patterns and philosophy
about staffing.
- What training and qualifications are required for staff? Are there on-going
training programs provided for staff?
- Observe staff and resident interactions. Are they positive? Courteous?
- Does staff handle resident requests in a timely way?
- Can private duty companions be hired? What is the procedure for that type
of service?
- Does the facility have a volunteer program? If yes, what types of activities
do the volunteers perform?
- Does the administrator/director practice an “open door” policy?
Moving In
- What does the moving in process entail? What are the paperwork requirements
and the timeframes involved?
- How is the initial assessment managed? Who completes the assessment?
- Is the residence affiliated with a hospital or nursing home should acute
or long-term care be needed? If so, is there a priority admission process?
- If you need hospital or nursing home care, is your room held? What are
the associated fees? Is there a discount for unused services (e.g. meals)?
- Does the residence subscribe to a set of resident rights and responsibilities?
Are printed copies of resident rights and responsibilities available?
Costs and Fees
- What is included in the basic monthly cost? Ask for a written copy.
- Does the residence have a written schedule of fees for extra services?
If so, request a copy.
- Under what circumstances might the fees change? How much notice is given
if there is a fee increase?
- Is there a security deposit? What is the refund policy?
- Can service agreements and or contracts be amended or modified?
Dining and Food Services
- Does the residence accommodate special diets?
- Does a dietician or nutritionist review the menus? Request or review copies
of the menus.
- How often do the menus rotate? Are residents and families involved in
the menu planning?
- Are residents allowed to have guests for meals? Is there a separate guest
dining room?
- What are the criteria for residents to eat meals in their rooms?
Living Space and Accommodations
- Are there adequate community areas for resident use?
- Are the resident rooms furnished or unfurnished?
- What is the policy about personal belongings?
- What is the policy for overnight guests? Are there guestrooms available?
What are the guest fees?
- Is additional storage space available? Is there an extra fee?
- Does the residence meet the rules for people with disabilities?
- Can residents have automobiles? Is there assigned parking? Is there an
extra fee?
- Are there patios and courtyards available for resident use? Is there an
area for resident gardening?
- Does the residence provide security?
- Are pets allowed to reside in the residence? If so, are there additional
fees and or deposits? If not, are pets allowed to visit?
Licensure and Certification
- Is the residence licensed? Ask to review the last licensing or certification
report.
- If the state requires the administrator to be licensed or certified, is
it current?
- Does the staff actively participate in a professional association, such
as a state long term care association affiliated with National Center For
Assisted Living?
Safety
- Does the facility have a fire sprinkler system throughout the facility?
- Where are smoke detectors located?
- How often does the facility have fire drills?
- Does the facility have an emergency preparedness plan?
- How are emergency and evacuation plans reviewed with resident after admission
to reinforce their memory?
- What systems are used to keep residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s
secure from successful exit strategies?
Location
- Is the location of the residence convenient to shopping, medical
services, and entertainment areas?
- Can family members and visitors easily locate the residence for visiting?
Final Checklist Prior to Signing the Service Contract
This checklist is provided to the family and prospective resident as a final
tool once an assisted living residence has been chosen. Use this as a reminder
for issues that need to be addressed and fully understood.
Make sure you:
| _______ |
Know what the basic service package includes |
| _______ |
Know all costs associated with your service package |
| _______ |
Know about additional services and their associated fees (e.g., medication management) |
| _______ |
Know the circumstances why fees might change and how much notice is given to families and residents |
| _______ |
Understand the services planning process |
| _______ |
Understand the service contract |
| _______ |
Know about the criteria and policies associated with discharge |
| _______ |
Understand resident rights and responsibilities |
| _______ |
Know the residence's grievance policy and procedure |
| _______ |
Understand how many staff are available and their qualifications |
| _______ |
Have the name and telephone number of the staff contact person |
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