Atmosphere and surroundings

• Try and visit the community unannounced or on a short notice.

• Observe the whole picture, does the place look bright and cheerful? Do the residents look clean and cared for? How are the residents dressed?

• Do the residents look comfortable and happy?

• Is the facility odorless?

• Do the staff members smile and greet you?

• Do the interior/exterior surroundings look safe? Is the yard safe and accessible?

• Are you permitted to communicate with residents? If you have the opportunity, talk to the residents about their rooms, food, staff, etc.

 Health and Medication Management

• Find out how medications are administered. Who is responsible for medication management? What are the qualifications of the staff who manage medications?

• Find out who monitors the residents' health and minor ailments.

• What procedures are followed when a resident feels unwell or when there is a medical emergency?

• What is the chain of information when a resident is not well?

• Are there any professional support services available, such as physician, x-ray, phlebotomy etc?

• Are pharmacy services offered?

 Personal Care Management

• It is important to know who provides day-to-day personal care for residents.

• Who assists residents with showering, dental hygiene, personal care, incontinence care, dressing, grooming etc?

 Most Important

• How many caregivers are available for providing personal care, and for what number of residents? It is a simple equation; higher staff to resident ratio equals higher quality of care.

 Managers/Staff Members

• Did the manager communicate the philosophy and mission of the community you visited?

• Did the manager answer all your questions in a satisfactory manner?

• During your visit, did you find staff members alert and attentive to residents needs? Did they appear involved in whatever service they were providing? Would you hire this staff in your home to care for your family member?

 Contract

• Regulations stipulate that a resident's contract be for a period of one year. This ensures the stability of monthly fees for a 12 month period, unless the level of care progresses.

• All licensed Assisted Living facilities provide a comparable list of services as regulated. Yet, it is important that you read the contract carefully. Make a note of what services are provided within the monthly fee, and what services are available but not provided within the monthly fee. Make sure you understand this without any ambiguity.

• The contract is required to suggest that you consult an attorney before signing the document.

You should also find out:

• What is the initial payment? Is there an entrance fee?

• Are there special units for residents with Dementia or Alzheimer's?

• If a room is shared, what are the characteristics of the other resident?

• What is the cost difference between a regular unit and a special care unit?

• What is the refund policy? How much of the monthly fee is refundable?

• If the resident has to be away for an extended period of time (i.e. hospital, temporary nursing home, etc) what amount of monthly fee is charged?

• What is the notice period if the fees are to be increased?

• What happens if resident runs out of funds? Is Subsidy/Medicaid Waiver or other assistance accepted?

• What are the residents' rights? Are these clearly stated in the contract?

• What conditions apply for discharge?

• How many days notice is required?

• How does the facility help you with the discharge process?

 Meals Provided

• How many meals are served a day?

• Does a nutritionist or dietician prepare the menu?

• How do you ensure that the resident is getting proper nutrition?

• What times are meals served?

• When is the meal prepared and is it prepared on site?

• Are snacks provided? At what time?

• What are the alternatives if a resident doesn't like a particular meal?

• Is the menu appealing?

• Take time to sample a meal?

 Recreation

• Does the facility provide a trained and certified Recreation Therapist?

• How often are the activities scheduled?

• Do the staff members get involved in the activities?

• Are picnics, visits to parks, museums, etc scheduled in the activity program? How often? Is transportation provided?

• How are religious/spiritual needs met? Is transportation provided to the church/place of worship?

• Does the activity calendar appear to be suitable for the residents?