Assisted Living
Visit the Facilities
Use this checklist to help evaluate assisted living facilities and to compare a number of possibilities to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. Do not trust your memory during these important visits. The more detail you provide here, the better you will be able to compare and contrast facilities. Here are some helpful questions to ask during your visit. Some of the answers will be obvious from your observations; others may require you to do some additional digging or consult other people with inside knowledge at facility.
The Facility
- Was your first impression of the facility a positive one?
- Does it meet your standards for cleanliness?
- Are there unpleasant odors, such as urine or chemical disinfectants?
- Do the common areas have adequate light and ventilation, comfortable temperature, and relative quiet?
Meals
Check facilities at various times, but make a special effort to observe during a meal.
- Are meals nutritious and served hot?
- Are residents enjoying their food?
- Does the facility consider ethnic food preferences?
- Can residents choose their own mealtimes?
- Are there choices at meals?
Medications
- Can residents administer their own medication?
- If not, who dispenses it and how is that staff member trained and supervised?
Activities
Ask to see the calendar of events and activities.
- Are there scheduled activities in which the potential resident would be interested?
- Are residents taken on trips outside the facility for activities? Is transportation available?
Staff
- Do residents appear to be treated well by the staff? Ask residents how they feel about being there.
- How many staff members are generally available to take care of the residents in the facility during the day, evening, and overnight shifts?
- How are staff members trained? What are their qualifications?
- What are their work hours?
- Are licensed nurses available?
- What is the staff turnover rate? A high turnover could indicate that it is a difficult place to work or there are problems between the staff and the administration, which could have a negative impact on residents.
Director of Nurses
- The Director of Nurses sets the standards for care in the facility.
- How much experience does the Director of Nurses have?
- What is his or her philosophy of care?
- Has there been a lot of turnover in this position?
For more information on residential care, contact the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.