Use this checklist from the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) when visiting an Assisted Living Residence:

Atmosphere

• Good location and outward appearance.
• Attractive and homelike décor.
• Residents socialize with each other and appear happy and comfortable.
• Residents seem to be appropriate house mates for you or your loved one.
• Staff are appropriately dressed, personable, and outgoing.
• Staff members treat each other in a professional manner.
• Visits with the residents are welcome at any time.

Physical Features

• Community is well designed for residents’ needs.
• The floor plan is easy to follow.
• Doorways, hallways, and rooms are accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers.
• Elevators are available for those unable to use stairways.
• Hand rails are available to aid in walking.
• Cupboards and shelves are easy to reach.
• Floors are of a non-skid material and carpets are firm to ease walking.
• Has good natural and artificial lighting.
• Is clean, free of odors, and appropriately heated/cooled.
• Meets local and/or state licensing requirements.
• Has sprinklers and clearly marked exits.
• Has a means of security if a resident wanders.

Needs Assessments, Contracts, Costs, And Finances

• A contract agreement is available that discloses health-care and supportive services, all fees, and admission and discharge criteria.
• There is a written plan for the care of each resident.
• Residence has a process for assessing a potential resident’s need for services and for ensuring those needs are addressed periodically.
• The process includes the resident, his or her family, and facility staff, along with the potential resident’s physician.
• Staff is available to meet scheduled and unscheduled needs.
• Billing, payment and credit policies seem fair and reasonable.
• Ask these questions about contracts and payments:
  • When may a contract be terminated and what are the refund policies?
  • Are there any government, private, or corporate programs available to help cover the cost of services to the resident?
  • Are additional services available if the resident’s needs change? If so, is there a procedure to pay for additional services like nursing care when the services are needed on a temporary basis?
  • Are there different costs for various levels or categories of services?
  • Are residents required to purchase renters’ insurance for personal property in their units?
• Determine whether residents can handle their own finances with staff assistance if able, or if a family member or outside party should be designated to do so.

Medication & Health Care

• Residence has specific policies regarding storage of medication, assistance with medications, training and supervision of staff, and record keeping.
• Is self-administration of medication allowed?
• A staff person is available to coordinate home care visits from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc if needed.
• Staff is available to assist residents who experience memory, orientation, or judgement losses.
• A physician or nurse visits the resident regularly to provide medical checkups.
• Residence has a clearly stared procedure for responding to resident’s medical emergency.
• To what extent are medical services available and how are they provided?

Services

• A list of available services is provided. Staff is available to provide 24-hour service with activities of daily living (ADLs) if needed. ADLs include:
  • Dressing
  • Eating
  • Mobility
  • Hygiene and grooming
  • Bathing, toileting, and incontinence
  • Using the telephone
  • Shopping
  • Laundry
• Residence provides housekeeping services in residents’ units.
• Residence provides transportation to doctor’s offices, the hairdresser, shopping, and other activities desired by residence.
• Are pharmacy, barber/beautician and or physical therapy services offered on site?
• Can residents arrange for transportation on fairly short notice?

Individual Unit Features

• Different sizes and types of units are available.
• Are units for single and double occupancy available?
• Do residents have their own lockable doors?
• 24-hour emergency response system is accessible from the unit.
• Bathrooms are private with accommodations for wheelchairs and walkers.
• Residents can bring their own furnishings for their unit. What may they bring?
• Do all units have a telephone and cable TV?
  • How is billing for those services 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 places?
• May residents decorate their own units?

Social & Recreation Activities

• There is 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 or conduct 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?
• Does the residence have its own pets?

Food Service

• Do dining room menus vary from day to day and meal to meal?
• Three nutritionally balanced meals are provided each 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?

In addition to this checklist, look for a general philosophy of care based on 10 principles that make assisted living residents the top priority.

• Offering cost-effective quality care personalized to the individual’s needs.
• Fostering independence for each resident.
• Treating each resident with dignity and respect.
• Promoting the individuality of each resident.
• Allowing each resident choice of care and lifestyle.
• Protecting each resident’s right to privacy.
• Nurturing the spirit of each resident.
• Involving family and friends in care planning and implementation.
• Providing a safe, residential environment.
• Making the assisted living residence a valuable community asset.