Be sure to print this out and keep notes at each step; the more detailed responses and observations you record here, the more easily you'll be able to compare your options later.
Looking for memory care? Try our Caring Checklist: Evaluating an Assisted-Living Facility for Someone With Alzheimer's.
Initial phone or online research
How much does care and housing cost for someone in my loved one's condition (describe) -- and what does that include?
Are there any openings?
- If not, what's the expected waiting period?
When can I tour the facility?
Initial visit
Your initial visit will likely include a brief interview with a staff member or marketing person, followed by a guided tour, during which you can record your own observations and request documents to review later.
Record your observations
Is the location convenient for family and friends to visit?
Is the facility pleasant and appealing?
Are residents' rooms pleasant and appealing?
Are living spaces personalized with photos, mementos, or other possessions?
Is there adequate closet and storage space?
Do staff members seem attentive and caring?
- Do they seem to know residents' names?
Do the residents seem reasonably happy and well cared for?
- Are most of them in their beds or out and about?
Do residents appear to enjoy their food?
Do the residents seem engaged and interested in the activities provided?
Request documents
It's a good idea to get as many of the following documents as possible. They can help you compare the fine details of one nursing home versus another.
Sample admission contract
Recent list of weekly activities and events
Recent weekly menu of meals and snacks
Follow-up questions
If your initial visit, impressions, and document review were positive, arrange a second visit or a phone call to get answers to more detailed questions about care and services there.
Does the cost include any special move-in fees or fees for services, such as laundry?
- Under what circumstances might costs go up?
What's the ratio of staff to residents?
What's the staff turnover rate?
Are background checks performed?
- If so, when and how?
Is an initial assessment of needs conducted and a written care plan developed?
If so, who's involved?
How often are needs reassessed?
What specific care is available from doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and others?
- Is the facility affiliated with a hospital or nursing home if more care is needed?
What medical emergency procedures are in place?
How do residents get to doctor appointments, and is there an extra charge for transportation?
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Cons:
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Search, compare, and rate Assisted-living facilities near you.
There is another very important factor that must be taken into consideration when looking for a facility for your parent - the level of social interactions between the residents. My mom was recently in a sub-acute rehab facility following a knee surgery. The facility was also a long term care nursing home. The place was really great according to all of the factors listed above, but failed in 1 respect that was critical for my mom. The other residents were not at all socially aware/active, while my mom is. She would go to the main dining hall, sit down for dinner, say hello to the other folks at the table, and no one would answer her. All activities were run by a staff member, and at a very simple level, which my mom became very board with. My mom said - 'the people here are all old and there are things wrong with them'. My mom is 90. So, I have added this consideration to any checking out of long term care facilities I evaluate - there needs to be other residents who at at a similar level of social interaction skills as my mom. Otherwise, she will not be happy.
This article actually gives caregivers and seniors more questions to ask about potentially moving into an assisted living. Usually, most questions are about money, rent, etc., but after all that is said and done, what type of facilitity are they going to. These are great converstation starter questions for families.
Hi Deer, Thanks for your comment. Were you perhaps trying to contact a health care agency that is listed on our site? You can find our local resources page here: ( http://www.caring.com/local ). Good luck! -- Emily | Community Manager
i need to put my mother in assisted living, i would like to put her in the beehive santa clara. are openigs available if not how long is the waiting list