Checklist

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Assisted Living Checklist

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential places and reviewed the admissions agreements, arrange for a visit to each community. Visit at different times, including during meals, if possible.

Here are several questions to consider, adapted from a comprehensive listing created by the Empire State Association of Assisted Living (www.esaal.org):

Atmosphere

Is the community attractive and homelike?

Do staff members call residents by name and interact warmly with them?

Do residents socialize with each other and appear happy and comfortable?

Are you able to talk with residents about how they like the community?

Are there current residents who can help newcomers adjust to the community?

Do the residents seem to be appropriate housemates for you or your loved one?

Physical Features

Is the facility’s floor plan easy to follow, with adequate common areas, well-lit stairs and hallways?

Is the community clean, free of odors and appropriately heated/cooled?

What kinds of emergency response systems do they have? Are there fire sprinklers and clearly marked exits? Is there an emergency generator or alternative power source in case of outage?

Are rooms large enough for your family member’s needs, including bathrooms with handrails and call buttons, safety locks on doors and windows?

What furnishings are provided? And are residents permitted to bring in personal furniture?

Is a kitchen area/unit provided with a refrigerator, sink and cooking element?

If the community provides dementia care, does it have a means of security if a resident wanders?

Staff

What training and qualifications do the staff have?

Did you receive a warm greeting from staff welcoming you to the community?

Do staff and resident interactions appear positive?

Are staff available at night?

Are staff available to assist residents who experience memory, orientation, or judgment losses?

Health Services & Policies

What level of personal and health services are provided, and what practices have been instituted to ensure the safety of residents?

Are there visiting doctors and other health care professionals, such as physical therapists, available to residents?

Is a licensed nurse available on-site? If so, during what hours?

What is the procedure for responding to a resident’s medical emergency? What is the policy regarding medication storage? How about the training of staff and assistance with medication administration?

Social & Recreation Programs

What activities does the recreation program offer, and what percentage of residents join in? Can you observe a group activity in progress?

Do residents participate in activities outside of the community?

Do volunteers, including family members, come into the community to help with or conduct programs?

Are residents’ pets allowed in the community? Who is responsible for their care?

Food Services

May meals be provided at a time a resident would like or are there set times for meals?

Are menus reviewed by a nutritionist?

Does the meal plan offer gluten-free options and accommodate other special dietary needs?

May residents eat meals in their rooms?

Additional Services

What is the community’s process for assessing a potential resident’s needs?

Are additional services available if a resident’s needs change?

Are there special programs for memory impaired residents and those with dementia?

Are there fees to provide transportation to doctors’ offices, the hairdresser, shopping and other activities desired by residents?

Can residents arrange for transportation on short notice?

Are there services available such as banking, a beauty salon and café?