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Assisted Living Checklist
	Alternatives Descriptions   Evaluation Tool   Helpful Checklists   Financial Information   State Information   Useful Links   My Favorites Submit an Event Order A Free Directory for your area A Consumer Checklist of Important Services, Amenities and Accommodations in Assisted Living Communities. Although there are many more questions and insights you have personally, this is merely a guideline to assist with your initial tour and information gathering. Is An Assisted Living Community For You? Below are a number of considerations to help you determine if a move to an assisted living community is for you. Click here for a printable version of this checklist Atmosphere Yes No N/A As you arrive at the residence, do you like its location and outward appearance? As you enter the lobby and tour the residence, is the decor attractive and home-like? Does the administrator/staff call residents by name and interact warmly as you tour? Do residents socialize with each other and appear happy and comfortable? Are you able to talk with residents about how they like the residence and staff? Do the residents seem to be appropriate housemates for you or your loved one? Are staff appropriately dressed, personable and outgoing? Do the staff members treat each other in a professional manner? Are the staff members that you pass during your tour friendly to you? Are visits with the resident welcome at any time? Physical Features Yes No N/A Is the community well-designed for resident's needs? Is the floor plan easy to follow? Are doorways, hallways and rooms accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers? Are elevators available for those unable to use stairways? Are hand rails available to aid in walking? Are floors of a non-skid material and carpets firm to ease walking? Is the residence clean, free of odors and appropriately heated/cooled? Does the residence meet local and/or state licensing requirements? Does the residence have sprinklers and clearly marked exits? Does the residence have a means of security if a resident wanders? Medication & Health Care Yes No N/A Does the residence have specific policies regarding storage of medication, assistance with medications, training and supervision of staff and record keeping? Is self-administration of medication allowed? Is there a staff person to coordinate home care visits from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc. if needed? Is staff available to assist residents who experience memory, orientation, of judgment losses? Does a physician or nurse visit the resident regularly to provide medical checkups? Does the residence have a clearly stated procedure for responding to a medical emergency? To what extent are medical services available, and how are these services provided? Individual Unit Features Yes No N/A Do dining room menus vary from day to day and meal to meal? Are different sized and types of units available? Are units for single and double occupancy available? Is a 24-hour emergency response system accessible from the unit? Are bathrooms private with handicapped accommodations - wheelchairs and walkers? Do all units have a telephone and cable TV and how is billing handled? Is a kitchen area/unit provided with a refrigerator, sink and cooking element? May residents keep food in their units? May residents smoke in their units? In public spaces? Needs Assessments, Contracts, Costs & Finances Yes No N/A Is a contractual agreement available that discloses healthcare and supportive services, all fees, as well as admission and discharge provisions? Does the residence have a process for assessing a potential resident's need for services and are those needs addressed periodically? When may a contract be terminated and what are refund policies? Are there any government, private or corporate programs available to help cover the cost of services to the resident? Is a contractual agreement available to include accommodations, personal care, health care and supportive services? Are additional services available if the resident's needs change? Is there a procedure to pay for additional services when temporary services are needed? Are there different costs for various levels or categories of services? Do billing, payment and credit policies seem fair and reasonable? May a resident handle their own finances with staff assistance if able or should a family member or outside party be designated to do so? Is staff available to meet scheduled and unscheduled needs? When may a contract be terminated? What are the policies for refunds and transfers? Is there an appeals process for dissatisfied residents? Services Yes No N/A Can the residence provide a list of services available? Is staff available to provide 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) if needed? ADLs include: Dressing; Eating; Mobility; Hygiene and grooming; Bathing, toileting and incontinence; Using the telephone; Shopping; and Laundry Does the residence provide housekeeping services in residents' units? Do they provide transportation to doctors' offices and other activities desired by residents? Can residents arrange for transportation on fairly short notice? Are pharmacy, barber/beautician and/or physical therapy services offered on-site? Social & Recreational Activities Yes No N/A Is there evidence of an organized activities program, such as a posted daily schedule, events in progress, reading materials, visitors, etc.? Do residents participate in activities outside of the residence in the neighboring community? Do volunteers, including family members, come into the residence to help with programs? Does the residence create a sense of community by requiring residents to participate in certain activities or perform simple chores for the group as a whole? Are residents' pets allowed in the residence? Who is responsible for their care? Food Service Yes No N/A Does the residence provide three nutritionally balanced meals a day, seven days a week? Are snacks available? May a resident request special foods? Are common dining areas available? May residents eat meals in their units? May meals be provided at a time a resident would like or are there set times for meals? Click here for a printable version of this checklist For further information about Assisted Living, please contact: Assisted Living Federation of America 11200 Waples Mill Road • Suite 150 Fairfax, Virginia 22030 • (703) 691-8100