Assisted Living Home Checklist - What to Look For When Searching For an RCFE

Overall Qualityo What is your impression of the- Is the food fresh?
residents and they're level of care?o How are the- Do the residents get help eating and drinking?
resident's appearances? How do they look, smell, and- Are residents and their families involved in the food
feel?o Are there specific plans for each residentsselection process?
care?o Does the Assisted living home offer- Do the caregivers meet specific dietary needs?
specialized care for special needs like dementia?o- Snacks?
Does the home offer visits or access to doctors,- Fresh Drinking Water?
RNs, and clinics, etc?o Do the caregivers driveLiving Space and Accommodations
residents to medical appointments and is there an- How is the overall look and feel of the place?
extra fee?o Is there a plan to respond to medical- How does the home smell bad?
emergencies?- Climate control?
Caregivers & Other employees of the homeo- Safety measures such as special showers, locked
What are the requirements for caregivers to work indrawers.
the home?o Make sure the caregivers interact nicely- How is security?
with the residents.o How long has the manager been- How much space is provided for the sleeping area,
working at the home?o How is the employeeliving rooms, and dining areas?
turnover in this assisted living facility?o How many- Are the floors slippery?
caregivers are working in the daytime, at night, and- Can the home accommodate a wheel chair?
on the weekends?o How many residents are there in- Do they have backyards or gardens for resident
the home for each caregiver?o Do the employeesgardening?
speak and understand English or any other needed- Do they allow pets in the home? If so, what type
language?o Does the staff know how to work withof pets and are there additional fees? If not, are
Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and dementia?o Dopets allowed to visit?
the caregivers talk to residents in a friendly manner?oLicensure and Certification
Do the caregivers respond quickly to resident- Is the residence licensed by the state?
requests?o How do employees respect resident'sProximity Accessibility
privacy?- What is around the general area of the home?
Services provided to residents- Is it easy for family members and visitors to find?
- What is the system for distribution of medication?- How far is it for close friends and family?
- Is there a registered Nurse that comes on a regular- How far away is the resident's doctor and clinic?
basis?- Is there a hospital nearby?
- Does the home provide bed linens and towels?- What are the visiting hours?
- Does the facility provide laundry service?Reputation & Vibe
Resident & Family Participation- Are you able to talk to other resident's families and
- Are residents and their families involved in medicalother references?
assessments, roommate approvals, and care planning- How was the staff in showing you around and
sessions?answering your questions?
- What is the complaint process?- Are you able to envision you or your loved one
- Can residents select their favorite foods?living in this home?
- Is there a Ombudsman Program poster and- What was your overall gut feeling about the home?
telephone number posted in the home?Money
Fun Trips and Social Interaction- What is included for the base monthly fee?
- Do residents have fun and meaningful activities and- Do they accept Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
events to take part in?residents?
- Is there a activities director (mostly with larger- How do their prices compare to the competition?
facilities)?- Are there any hidden, or fees that need to be paid
- Are there trips outside of the assisted living home?up front?
- Are there any religious or spiritual activities?- Refund policy?
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner