Choosing Assistant Living/Personal Care

Use this checklist to review options

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

☐ Is the community clean and well maintained?

☐ Are there multiple floor plans available?

☐ Can residents decorate their apartments, studios or suites according to their personal tastes?

☐ Is the community pet friendly?

☐ Does the community have safety features, such as handrails and grab bars?

☐ Do individual residences include safety features, such as emergency alert and fire suppression systems?

RESIDENT AND STAFF INTERACTION

☐ What is the staff-to-resident ratio?

☐ Is the community well staffed overnight?

☐ How does the community handle residents who need additional care and support?

☐ Do residents have access to in-home care should it be needed?

☐ Do staff members undergo screenings and background checks prior to employment?

☐ Is the staff screened and evaluated for their ability to work with older adults in the assisted living setting?

☐ Does the community have its most recent survey results posted or displayed for families to review?

☐ Are staff trained and retrained at regular intervals?

☐ Are housekeeping and laundry provided?

☐ Are transportation services available?

DINING SERVICES

☐ Does the dining room look and smell inviting?

☐ Are the dining room tables, chairs and linens in good condition?

☐ Are residents allowed to invite guests for meals?

☐ Can residents select their own meal times, or are there designated meal times?

☐ Are three daily meals, snacks and beverages included in the monthly rate?

☐ Does the resident committee work with the dining staff to develop menus?

☐ Can the community accommodate special dietary needs?

☐ Is there a dietician or nutritionist involved in meal planning?

FEES AND COSTS

☐ What services are included in the monthly fee?

☐ What services are available for an additional fee?

☐ What are the fees?

☐ How often do resident rate increases occur?

☐ How much notice do residents receive prior to a rate increase?

ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS

☐ Are activities scheduled throughout the day and evening?

☐ Are fitness classes offered?

☐ Are there dedicated spaces for resident clubs and informal gatherings?

☐ Does the community offer regular outings to local restaurants, theaters, museums and other destinations?

☐ Are there outdoor spaces available for walking, gardening and recreation?

☐ Are volunteer programs available?

☐ Do the residents appear engaged?

LOCATION

☐ Is the community conveniently located for friends and family to visit?

D Is the community in a safe neighborhood?

☐ Are there shopping, dining and entertainment options near the community?

☐ Is the community near preferred medical providers?

Source: www.whereyoulivematters.org, a senior living resource powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA).