Selecting an assisted living facility or nursing home is a critical decision in the care of his senior but it is often made in haste. Although some seniors come to an assisted living facility from a nursing home or independent living facility, it is very common to need assisted living after a senior leaves the hospital from a stroke, heart attack, fall or other health issue. Because of this fact, many people do not have a lot of time to select an assisted living facility so here are some quick tips. Most people search for assisted living facilities near their family and friends. It is very helpful for seniors to have someone who can come and visit them at the assisted living facility. For this reason assisted living facilities have popped up in both small and large communities across the country. You can begin your search by gathering a list of all the assisted living facilities near your home on this website.

  • Make an assesment of your mental, physical and lifestyle needs and pick an appropriate type of facility.
  • Use our advance search to gather a complete list of available facilities in your desired area.
  • Visited as many facilities as possible and ask a lot of questions
  • Narrow your selection to two or three facilities and get more details using the questionaire below.
  • Get a copy of the residential agreement contract
  • Review the assisted living's licensing and certification inspection reports on the state website (listed on our services page)
  • Discuss your decision with friends and family and then make the move.

Make sure to talk to residents and staff about the quality of life of the facility. Here are some question to ask.

Financial Issues

  • What services are included in the monthly fee?
  • What are the available additional services and how much do they cost?
  • How much is that deposit and if any portion of it refundable?
  • What is the expected annual increase in fees and what was the recent increase?
  • How often does the fee structure change?
  • Can I put my contract on hold if I am away from the facility for health reasons?
  • What happens if I run out of money?
  • Are any discounts available?

General

  • How often does housekeeping clean?
  • Does the assisted living facility have a personal laundry?
  • Should I have renter's insurance?
  • Are pets allowed in the facility?

Food

  • how many meals are included in the basic fee? Can a senior regularly skipped meals?
  • Are there alternative meal options offered?
  • Does the assisted living facility accommodates seniors with special diets?
  • Does a dietitian or nutritional list reviewed the meal plans?
  • Are meals available outside of the standard hours?
  • Can't seniors the their meals delivered to their room?

Activities

  • Is an activity calendar available every month?
  • Does the facility schedule advance for her family and guests?Are the activities appropriate based on a seniors health level?
  • Is there a full time activities director?
  • Are the activities meaningful and interesting?

Staffing

  • How many staff are in the facility and what are their credentials?
  • What is the turnover rate of the staff?
  • Does all the staff speak your native language?
  • Is the staff available 24 hours per day?

Medication

  • Can seniors use their own pharmacy?
  • Can seniors take their own medications?
  • Does a trainednurse dispense all medications?

Safety

  • does the assisted living facility have a sprinkler system?
  • Does the staff do a daily room check?
  • Are their grab bars for the toilet and shower?
  • Our background checks done on all staff members?
  • Are all the exits clearly marked and easily accessible (based on the condition of the senior)?

Emergencies

  • What kind of emergency staff are available at the facility?
  • How are family members notified of an emergency?
  • What emergency systems are in place for weekends and after hours?

Discarge From The Facility

  • What is the assisted living facilities policy on discharge or termination of the contract?
  • Does the state regulates discharges?
  • Is there an appeals process?
  • What is the advance notice on a discharge?

This is only a sampling of some of the questions that you may want to ask you for placing a deposit with an assisted living facility. Make sure to address any special needs before you sign a contract with the assisted living facility to avoid any problems and potential financial applications.