Assisted Living Checklist

First Impression

We know that choosing the right facility for your loved ones is a very important decision. Here are some questions to help you make it the right one.

• Do you like the facility's location and outward appearance?
• Is the facility convenient for frequent visits by family and friends?
• Is the facility near a shopping complex?
• Can the resident access a medical complex easily?
• Is public transportation available/accessible?
• Are you welcomed with a warm greeting from the staff?
• Does the staff address residents by their names and interact with them during your visits?
• Do you notice the residents socializing with each other and do they appear content?
• Can you talk with residents about how they like living there and about the staff?
• Is the staff appropriately dressed, friendly and outgoing?
• Do the staff members treat each other in a professional manner?
• Are visits with residents encouraged and welcomed at any time?
• What percentage of the units have been rented and are currently occupied?
• Is there a waiting list? If so, how long do they estimate it will take to be admitted?

Living Area and Accommodations

• Is the floor plan well designed and easy to follow?
• Are doorways, hallways and rooms accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers?
• Are elevators available for those unable to use stairways?
• Does the residence have good lighting, sprinklers and clearly marked exits?
• Is the residence clean, free of odors and appropriately heated/cooled?
• Are the common areas in general attractive, comfortable and clean?
• Is there an outside courtyard or patio for residents and visits? Can they garden?
• Is there an emergency evacuation plan?
• Are there different sizes and types of units available with optional floor plans?
• Does residence have furnished/unfurnished rooms? What is provided or what can I bring?
• May residents decorate their own rooms?
• Is a 24-hour emergency response system accessible in the unit?
• Are bathrooms private with handicapped accommodations for wheelchairs and walkers?
• Do all units have a telephone and cable TV and how is billing handled?
• May residents smoke in their units?

Moving In, Contracts and Finances

• What is involved with the moving in/moving out process? How is the initial needs assessment done?
• Does the assessment process include the resident, family, and facility staff?
• Is there a written plan for the care of each resident and is there an ongoing process assessing a resident's need for services? If so, how often are these needs evaluated?
• Will your room be held for you should you require a hospital stay?
• Is there a written statement available of residents rights and responsibilities?
• How much is the monthly fee?
• What are the specific costs for various levels or categories of services?
• Are residents required to purchase renters' insurance for personal property in their rooms?

Health/Personal Care/Services

• Are there professional nursing services on site?
• Is staff available to provide 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living (ADL's) if needed? ADL's include dressing, eating, mobility, hygiene, grooming (bathing, toileting, incontinence)
• What is the staff to resident ratio?
• How are medical emergencies handled? Does the residence have a clearly stated procedure for responding to medical emergencies?
• Does staff supervise/assist a resident in taking medicine? May residents take own medications?
• Does the residence's pharmacy provide delivery, consultation and review of medications?
• Does staff assist in making arrangements to have medical care or to what extent is medical care available?
• Are physical, occupational, or speech therapy services available?
• Are wellness programs available?
• Are housekeeping and linen services included in the fees?
• Does the residence provide transportation to doctors' offices, and other activities desired by residents?
• Are barber/beautician services offered on-site?

Social and Recreational

• What kinds of group/individual recreational activities are offered and who schedules them?
• Is there an organized activities program with a posted daily schedule of events?
• Do volunteers and family members come into the residence to participate/conduct programs?
• Does the facility schedule trips or go on other events off premises?
• Are there supplies for social activities/hobbies (games, cards, crafts)?
• Are religious services held on premises or arrangements made for nearby services?
• Does the residence create a sense of community by allowing residents to participate in certain activities or perform simple chores for the group as a whole?

Staff

• What are the residence's practices and philosophy regarding staffing?
• What are the hiring procedures and requirements for eligibility? Are criminal background checks, references, and certifications required?
• Is there a staff training program in place and what does it entail?
• Is staff courteous to residents and to each other? Are requests for assistance timely?
• Is the administrator or appropriate staff person generally available to answer questions or discuss problems, and would you be comfortable dealing with them on a daily basis?
• What is the staff to resident ratio?

The Village at Gordon House staff years of service:

• Thomas May Jr., Administrator - 28 years
• Barbara Miller, Director of Resident Care - 26 years
• Roberta Smith, Certified Nursing Assistant - 26 years
• Lillian Shumake, Cook - 25 years
• Linda Lewis, Dietary Aide - 21 years

Food

• Does the residence provide three nutritionally balanced meals a day, seven days per week and how does the menu vary from meal to meal?
• What about special diets?
• May residents request special foods?
• Are common dining areas available and when are residents allowed to eat meals in their rooms?
• Does the dining room environment encourage residents to relax, socialize, and enjoy food?
• Are meals provided only at set times or is there some flexibility? Are snacks available?
• How many meals are included in the fee? If a resident becomes ill, is tray service available?
• Can residents have guests dine with them for an additional fee? Is there a private room for special events and occasions if desired?

Licensure and Certification

• Does the residence have a license/certification and is it displayed?
• If the state requires the administrator to be licensed/ certified, does she/he have a license/certification?
• Is the facility a member of a trade or professional association?
• What reputation does the facility have in the community? How long has it been in business?