Checklist 4a

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Adult Care Facility Checklist

When exploring supportive housing options, families should talk openly about their goals. Look for facilities that provide residents a safe space and health care, as well as environments that offer opportunities for social engagement, activities and rewarding experiences, whatever a person’s abilities.

Here is a checklist of factors to consider:

How important is location? How close would seniors like to be to family and friends, doctors, pharmacies, other medical facilities, shopping, senior centers, religious facilities, and other amenities?

Does your loved ones’ current health status require that they look for features that will help them move about more comfortably?

What kind of lifestyle do your loved ones want? What will the living conditions be like?

How much will the housing option cost? And are your loved ones eligible for any publicly funded or subsidized services, such as Medicare or Medicaid?

Would it be advisable to talk with an attorney so that the family understands your loved ones’ rights and any legal concerns?

Before making a decision, it’s important to check out the “campus life” of prospective communities:

Visit at different times, including evenings and weekends. Be sure to schedule one of your visits during a mealtime.

Inquire about activities that foster socialization among the residents. Walk into common areas and ask residents what they like about the facility.

Ask a few residents how they’re informed about activities. And if they attend various activities, do they get to know others who join in?

Find out what specific types of classes the recreation program offers, how many people attend, and what percentage of residents join in.

Find out whether the facility offers a bus for residents to go out to cultural events, not just shopping at the local dollar store.

Ask the staff whether they can identify residents who have interests similar to your loved ones—potential friends to help familiarize them with the facility.

Besides talking to the recreation staff, take time to chat with others—a nursing assistant, an aide, a front desk receptionist.

Observe a group activity in progress: How does the staff engage people to participate, whether they’re involved in a physical activity, group discussion or word game.