ssisted Living/Residential Care Facilities are a part of a spectrum of long term care services that provides a combination of housing, personal services, and health care designed to respond to individuals who need help with normal daily activities in a way that promotes maximum independence.

These facilities range in size and service options. This list was developed as a general guide; it should be noted that some facilities will not offer all of these services.

Resident Rights | Admission and Discharge | Service Planning | Services and Activities | Staff | Cost and Financing | Food | Living Space and Accommodations | Location

Resident Rights

• Does the facility have a written description of resident rights and responsibilities? If so, ask for a copy.
• Is staff trained to protect resident dignity and privacy?

Admission and Discharge

• What are the admission criteria?
• Who performs the initial needs assessment?
• Does the facility have an affiliation with a hospital?
• With a nursing facility?
• If you need hospital or nursing facility care, will your room be waiting for you when you return?
• Do you have to pay for the room even if you're not using it?
• What if you need other long term care services?
• What are the discharge criteria?

Service Planning

• How are residents and families involved in developing their own service plan?
• Does the facility have an Alzheimer's disease program?
• Does the facility have programs in other specialized areas?
• How are emergencies or unanticipated needs handled?
• What if your needs change?

Services and Activities

• Are self medication or medication supervision services available?
• How are resident preferences observed?
• Are there pharmacy services available on facility grounds?
• Does the facility make arrangements to have nursing and/or medical care provided on-site?
• Are the services of a physical, occupational, or speech therapist available?
• Are bed linens and towels provided?
• Are barbers and beauticians available?
• What activities are available and who develops them?
• Are group and individual activities offered?
• Are residents encouraged to participate?
• Are residents involved with the surrounding community?
• How are transportation services handled?
• Do volunteers work with residents?
• Are special rooms available for resident activities?
• Are games, easels, and tables provided by the facility for residents?
• Are arrangements made for residents to worship as they please?

Staff

• How many staff are on duty for each shift?
• Does the staff show interest in, affection, and respect for individual residents?
• Is staff courteous to residents?
• Is staff courteous to each other?
• Does staff respond quickly to resident calls for assistance?
• Is the administrator available to answer questions or discuss problems?
• Is staff qualified to deliver services offered by the facility?
• Is the facility a member of a trade or professional association?

Cost and Financing

• What is the monthly or daily cost?
• What is included in the basic fees?
• What is extra? (Ask for a list of specific services not covered in the basic rate.)
• Are there any financial requirements for residence?
• Must you buy the unit or make a large lump sum payment before admission?
• How much money must you pay initially, if any?
• Are advance payments returned if the resident leaves the facility?
• Can you modify your contract?
• What happens if your funds are depleted?

Food

• Does a dietitian plan or approve menus for residents on special diets?
• Does the menu vary from meal to meal?
• Is plenty of time allowed for each meal?
• Is food delivered to residents unable to eat in the dining room?
• May you have guests for meals in the dining room?
• Is there a private dining room?

Living Space and Accommodations

• Is the facility as clean as you set your personal standards?
• Are the living spaces and common areas attractive and comfortable?
• Are furnished and unfurnished units available?
• Are residents encouraged to provide personal furnishings?
• May resident share their unit with another person?
• Is extra storage space available?
• Is there easy access for people with disabilities?
• Is there a courtyard or patio for residents and visitors?
• May residents bring their car?
• Is there adequate parking for residents and visitors?
• Are the lawn and trees kept well-manicured?
• Are walkways free of hazardous objects?
• Is the facility well secured?

Location

• Is the facility convenient for frequent visits of family and friends?
• Is the facility convenient for the resident's personal physician?
• Is the facility near a hospital where the resident's personal physician practices?
• Is the facility near a shopping and entertainment complex?

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Resident Rights | Admission and Discharge | Service Planning | Services and Activities | Staff | Cost and Financing | Food | Living Space and Accommodations | Location