Assisted Living Residence Checklist

Questions to ask when you call or visit a prospective Assisted Living Residence:

• What types of apartments are available?
• How many of each apartment type are there?
• What is the monthly cost for each apartment type?
• If there is a wait list, how many people are on it, and what is the policy?
• How would you describe a typical resident?
• What is your staff-to-resident ratio?
• Can staff administer medications?
• Do you have any outdoor space?
• Do you have a nurse on staff?
• What is the experience of your staff?
• Do you have any experience with.....? (issues or diagnosis of your care recipient)
• Do you perform an initial assessment prior to admission?
• What is your discharge policy?
• What additional services are available if a resident's needs change?
• What are your billing and payment policies?
• Are all services included in the monthly fee? If not, what and how much are additional services?

Shared living space observations:

• Residence is clean and odor-free    Yes  No
• You are greeted and feel welcome    Yes  No
• Staff members are kind and caring to residents    Yes  No
• The layout and floor plan make rooms and community space easy to find  Yes  No
• Public restrooms have grab bars    Yes  No
• Handrails are available throughout hallways    Yes  No
• Residents appear engaged and happy    Yes  No
• Visitors are introduced to staff and residents    Yes  No
• Meals are nutritious and appealing    Yes  No
• Elevators are available for multiple levels    Yes  No
• Lighting is good at all times of day    Yes  No
• The ambient temperature is comfortable    Yes  No
• Sprinklers and smoke detectors are present    Yes  No
• Exits are clearly marked    Yes  No
• A security system is present    Yes  No

Apartment living space observations:

• Size and layout are adequate for your care recipient's needs    Yes  No
• Doorways and thresholds accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, and safe ambulation    Yes  No
• Residents appear engaged and happy    Yes  No
• Visitors are introduced to staff and residents    Yes  No
• Meals are nutritious and appealing    Yes  No
• Lighting is good    Yes  No
• Resident has individual control of the thermostat    Yes  No

Medical and Medication policies

• Is self-administration of medications allowed?    Yes  No
• Can staff communicate policies about medications including storage, administration, and record keeping?    Yes  No
• Can residents with dementia receive the oversight they may need?    Yes  No
• Is there a physician who visits the facility regularly?    Yes  No
• What medical services are available? ___________
• What is the policy about handling a medical emergency? ___________
• Who coordinates outside care provider visits? ___________

General Policy questions:

• Is an individual plan of care maintained on each resident?    Yes  No
• Are the resident and family included in preparation of the plan of care?    Yes  No
• Are staff available to assist residents in handling their finances?    Yes  No
• Are residents required to carry renter's insurance?    Yes  No
• Is there an appeals process for dissatisfied residents?    Yes  No

Our Caregiver Coaches also recommend