Administration

• Is the facility in good standing with the state inspectors?

• Are fees competitive?

• Have fees increased significantly in the past few years?

• Is the structure easy to understand and reasonable?

• Does the institution readily reveal what service are covered in the quoted fee?

• What services are extra?

• Is Medicaid accepted? Is Medicare accepted?

• Are billing and accounting procedures understandable and acceptable?

• Is transportation of patients provided?

• Does a resident advisory council exist?

• Are visiting hours reasonable?

• Are therapeutic services available? (Speech, physical and occupational)

• Are social work services or other mental health services available?

• Are community organizations (library, church group, volunteers) involved?

• Do the charge nurses, social workers, department heads, and top-level administrators have geriatric experience and/or education?

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What to Look for in Assisted Living Communities

Using the following checklist to assist you in assesses assisted living communities. If possible, both the caregiver and care recipient should be involved in the decision making process. The more an older person participates in the planning process, the easier it will be to adjust to the new environment.

Assessing an Assisted Living residence as you tour the facility:

• As you arrive at the residence, do you like the location and outward appearance of the residence?

• As you enter the lobby and tour the residence, is the decor attractive and home-like?

• Did you and your potential resident both receive a warm greeting from staff welcoming you to the residence?

• Does the administrator/staff call residents by name and interact warmly with them as you tour the residence?

• Do residents socialize with each other and appear happy and comfortable?