How to Evaluate an Assisted Living Facility

Assisted living facilities offer independent or shared living in a senior community, plus various levels of assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, shopping, cooking and transportation.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Understand that assisted living facilities are either stand-alone or a part of a continuing care retirement community (CCRC).

2. Realize that seniors who live in an assisted living facility may have their own place, live with a spouse or share a room with another senior.

3. Evaluate the aesthetics of the room - does it suit the senior's needs?

4. Observe the upkeep and safety of the facility. Does it appear clean? Are there hand rails in bathing areas and hallways? Are the sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers easily accessible? Are there secured areas for people with Alzheimer's disease?

5. Verify the type of training given to the staff. Ask to see staff training policy and procedure manuals. Also, compare staff numbers with other assisted living facilities you are considering, looking at the number of staff on each shift for the weekend and weekdays.

6. Ask if the facility does national criminal background checks on staff. Some do local or state background checks only. Also, what type of pre-employment drug screening does it do, and is drug screening ongoing?

7. Find out about the types of food choices the facility offers and whether it is able to accommodate special dietary needs.

8. Check to be sure there are plenty of areas outdoors to walk around, and that the grounds are kept up.

9. Look at the range of activities. Are there off-site activities such as lunches and trips to the zoo or art galleries at least twice a week? Does the facility offer on-site activities such as religious services, lectures, discussion groups, and arts and crafts?

10. Be sure the facility provides transportation at no additional cost, since residents will have to see their doctors off-site. Some assisted living facilities may staff licensed practical/vocational nurses or registered nurses (though rare) during the day.

11. Inquire whether the facility has a wellness center that can meet clinical needs such as weight control and blood pressure checks. Also, how close is the nearest hospital in case of an emergency?

12. Look at online directories of senior care (assisted living and nursing) facilities such as Senior Care Review, Care Guide(888-389-8839), New Lifestyles(800-820-3013) and Senior Alternatives (800-350-0770) for senior facilities.

Tips & Warnings

• Facilities range in size from small six-bed homes to those with 200 or more.
• Make sure you know what type of reciprocal agreement a CCRC has with other CCRCs should the assisted living wing be full at the time a senior wishes to make the transition from independent living.
• If there is an Alzheimer's unit within the assisted living or skilled nursing area, staffing should be higher.
• Medicare does not cover assisted living. Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) does cover skilled nursing facilities for those who are eligible. In some states it may also cover assisted living facilities.

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