List of Questions to Ask When Looking at Assisted Living Facilities

There are many things to consider when looking at assisted living facilities. Of course, safety and security top the list, but there are many other factors to discuss. It's important to look at this decision with quality of life for your parents in mind.

In assisted living facilities, services typically include housing, meals and snacks, 24 hour monitoring, medication supervision, activities and socialization programs, transportation and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming and mobility. Some assisted living communities offer a safe and secure area especially for people with memory impairments or other cognitive disorders. There are usually choices of size of rooms, from single room studios to 2 bedroom apartments.

With these general guidelines in mind, here are some specific questions to ask:

• How big is it? Large enough to have amenities, but not too large?


• Is it close enough for me to visit easily?


• Are the residents active and mobile? Are they happy and well cared for? ASK THEM!


• Are the common areas clean? The bathrooms? The carpet? Any bad odors?


• Are the floor plans easy to understand? Is the handicap accessibility adequate?


• Do you see family and friends visiting?


• Are there any outdoor areas? A patio? Courtyard with benches?


• Are there places for a resident to have some solitude other than in their room?


• What kinds of activities are offered and how often? Is an easy to understand list posted?


• Are there community rooms, hobby/activity rooms, exercise rooms, living rooms?


• Is there enough closet and storage space?


• How often are the rooms cleaned and the linens changed? Is laundry done?


• How are medications controlled?


• How much medical care is available?


• Does the facility have relationships with local doctors who make "house calls"?


• What are the minimum physical abilities residents must have?


• What kind of physical exam or evaluation is required before a resident is accepted?


• How well does the kitchen accommodate special diets?


• Does the facility have dementia care options?


• How long has the staff been there? Do the workers seem happy and glad to help?


• Does the staff seem friendly and caring? Are they clean and well groomed?


• How long has the Executive Director been with the facility?


• Who owns the facility? How long have they been in this business?

Be sure to trust your instincts. What is your "gut reaction" to the facility? Remember you are trusting this facility to take care of your parents and provide for their safety, security and maintenance.