| Relax, choosing the right Assisted Living Community | | | | 6. Is there a library and an in house beauty/barber |
| doesn't have to be daunting. You just have to know | | | | shop? |
| what to look for and what questions to ask. It is | | | | 7. Is there an internet cafe and computer classes |
| important to know what kind of lifestyle you would | | | | available? |
| like to have and if the Community is able to supply | | | | 8. In the actual apartment - check for these items |
| your needs. Don't be reluctant to ask. This is your life | | | | and don't assume they will be there: Grab bars in the |
| and happiness we are talking about. | | | | tub and shower; Non slip surfaces in tub and shower; |
| Trust your first impression and look beyond the | | | | Raised toilet seats; Emergency call buttons in the |
| fancy decor and brocade draperies. | | | | bathroom, bedroom and living room. |
| 1. Are the staff smiling and interacting with the | | | | 9. Do the closets have double hung rods and shelves? |
| residents or is the place quiet like a morgue, you feel | | | | Most Assisted Living apartments are quite small and |
| like you have to whisper and everybody is sitting | | | | will not fit a standard chest of drawers in the |
| around asleep in wheelchairs, being ignored. | | | | bedroom. Ample storage in the closet is essential and |
| 2. Eat a meal there. I'm quite serious! Good food is an | | | | should also be reachable to a senior who may be in a |
| essential indicator of quality in other areas. Don't just | | | | walker or wheelchair. If you find the closets are not |
| look at the menu - see the portion size and taste it. | | | | properly fitted, get them done before you move in,. |
| Are snacks and fresh fruit available in the dining room | | | | 10. If the senior needs a power chair, is there an |
| throughout the day? Food is a very important and | | | | outlet outside their door where it can be parked to |
| sometimes the last remnant of pleasure in a seniors | | | | recharge? |
| life. | | | | Don't assume that these things will be there. As a |
| 3. Does the place smell of disinfectant or is the air | | | | Senior Move Manager, I've found them lacking even |
| clean and fresh and there are fresh flowers and live | | | | in the fanciest and most high end communities. |
| plants. Is there a pretty outside garden? | | | | Knowing what to look for and what to ask for is |
| 4. Do they have a piano and/or an afternoon social | | | | essential to choosing the right Assisted Living |
| hour? | | | | Community. A professional Senior Move Manager and |
| 5. What kind of activities do they provide? Do they | | | | member of NASMM National Association of Senior |
| provide intellectual pursuits with trips to concerts and | | | | Move Managers can also help you get your new |
| plays or is it just balloon volleyball, bingo and arts and | | | | home ready from the start. |
| crafts. Is there concierge service for transportation? | | | | |