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 Things to consider when
choosing an
Assisted Living Residence
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SELECTION TIPS
Choosing the right assisted living facility
should be an involved and carefully thought-out process. Picking the
right assisted living facility is as important as choosing a house or
apartment.
Visit the facilities you are considering, talk to the staff and
residents, and read through any brochures and information offered.
Make several visits at varying times of the day and week in order to
get a complete impression of the facility. When you tour the
facilities, pay special attention to the attitudes and overall
friendliness of the staff and residents because they are potential
housemates. Most
importantly, involve loved ones in making your decision.
The following are general things to consider when choosing a facility
include:
Atmosphere/Comfort Level
 | Are pets allowed? Some residents have
allergies. |
| What types of meals are offered by the
facility? Consider nutrition, choice, appearance, variety, and
taste. Are special meals available for dietary restrictions? Does a
dietician approve resident meal plans? |
| How big is the facility? Larger facilities
may have more organized activities, socialization opportunities, and
transportation. |
| Can residents bring their own cars?
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| What are the facility's visiting hours? What
types of accommodations are available for visitors? Are there any
restrictions on having guests? |
| How clean is the facility in reference to
appearance and odor? |
| What is the general attitude and appearance
of the residents? |
| What is the general attitude of the staff? Is
the staff friendly and courteous to residents and each other?
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| What is the participation level of residents
in activities and outings? |
| How often and in what manner does the staff
interact with the residents? Does the staff recognize all of the
residents? Are members of the staff friendly toward the residents?
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| What is the resident's and family's
involvement in the development of the service plan? |
| How often are each resident's needs
reassessed? |
| What are the admission requirements? |
See The INN's Residency Guidelines HERE
to determine if a loved one meets The INN's criteria for residency.
Services and
Activities
| Is socialization encouraged and promoted? Is
it easy to socialize with other residents? Do lounge areas and a
common dining room exist? |
| What is the extent, range, and frequency of
planned activities? |
| Are there a lot of opportunities for
transportation? How flexible is the transportation? |
| Do opportunities for involvement with the
surrounding community exist? |
| How flexible is a resident's daily schedule?
How much independence is allowed? |
| Is the facility licensed by the state?
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| Is the facility's administrator licensed by
the state? |
Equipment/Amenities
| Are exercise facilities available to the
residents? What kind of opportunities do residents have to exercise?
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| What types of amenities are available to
residents? |
| Is the facility equipped to support any
special needs of the patient? |
| Is extra storage space available? |
| Is the facility located close to shopping
centers and/or entertainment? |
| Do the units have a telephone and television?
How is billing handled? |
| Is there a kitchen with a sink and
refrigerator in the unit? |
| Are religious facilities available?
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Financial
Considerations
| What is the monthly cost of the facility?
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| What are the trends in rate increases over
the past years? |
| Is a deposit required? Is it refundable?
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| What services are included in the monthly
cost? What services have to be paid for separately? What other
services are available? |
| Are utilities included in the cost?
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| What circumstances might force a resident to
leave the facility? |
| What kinds of opportunities are available for
a resident to receive further care as a condition or problem
requires? |
| Is the facility connected with a nursing home
or other kind of facility? |
| What types of housing are available?
(private/shared, apartment, suite) |
| Is the housing furnished? If so, what is
included? |
| What types and what amounts of personal
belongings is a resident allowed to bring? |
| What happens if you are unable to pay for
services? |
| When can care services be terminated, and
what is the refund policy? |
| What are the payment, billing, and credit
policies?
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Safety
Considerations
| Are intercoms installed in each room?
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| Is there a 24-hour emergency response system
accessible from each unit? |
| What is the level of safety in the facility?
Is there proper lighting? Are there hand rails, emergency
pull-cords, and door alarms? How extensive is the fire system?
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| Are exits clearly marked and easily accessed?
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| Does the facility have air conditioning?
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| Is the ventilation and heating adequate?
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| Is the facility's security adequate? Are
there lockable doors for each unit? |
| Does the facility have handicapped access and
accommodations? |
| How close is the nearest hospital?
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| Is there a doctor or pharmacy on-site?
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| How many staff members are on duty for each
shift at the facility? |
| How long does it take for the staff to
respond to a resident's call for assistance? |
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