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Assisted
living is a special combination of housing and support services
designed to respond to the individual needs of people who need help
with the activities of daily living but do not need the skilled medical
care provided in a nursing home. Assisted living care promotes maximum
independence and dignity for each resident and encourages the
involvement of the resident s family and friends.
As you Tour the Home
As
you arrive do you like the location and outward appearance of the home?
As you enter the foyer and tour the residence, is the decor attractive
and homelike? Did you and the potential resident receive a warm
greeting from staff welcoming you to the home? Does the
administrator/staff call residents by name and interact warmly with
them? Do residents socialize with each other and appear happy and
comfortable? Are you able to talk with residents about how they like
the home and staff? Are visits to the home welcome at any time? Is the
residence clean, free of odors, and appropriately heated/cooled? Does
the residence meet local and/or state licensing requirements?
Needs Assessments, Contracts, Costs and Finances
What
is the procedure for assessing a potential resident s need for services
and are those needs reassessed periodically? Can a resident be
discharged for refusing to comply? When may a contract be terminated
and what are the refund policies? Is a contractual agreement available
to include accommodations, personal care, and support services? Are
additional services available if the resident s needs change? Are there
different costs for various levels or categories of services? What are
the billing and payment policies? If able, may residents handle their
own finances with staff assistance, or should a family member or
outside party be designated to do so? What personal property is covered
by the facility s insurance? Is staff available to meet unscheduled
needs such as emergency housekeeping or hygiene?
Medications/Health Care
What
is the policy regarding storage and assistance with medications. Is
staff trained and supervised in medication administration and record
keeping? Who coordinates home care visits from a nurse, physical
therapist, occupational therapist, etc., if needed? Are staff available
to assist residents who experience memory, orientation, or judgment
losses? What is the procedure for responding to a resident s medical
emergency?
Food Services
Are
menus designed and approved by a registered dietician? Are three
nutritionally balanced meals per day, seven days per week provided? Are
snacks available upon request? Are special dietary needs accommodated
and restrictions monitored? May residents select from a variety of
foods at each meal? May a resident request special foods? May meals be
provided at a time the resident requests or are meals served in a
congregate setting?
Features of Individual Facilities
Are
rooms for single and double occupancy available? May residents bring
their own furnishings for their room and what may they bring? May
residents smoke? Where?
Services of Individual Facilities
Is
staff available to provide 24-hour assistance with activities of daily
living (dressing, eating, mobility, hygiene and grooming, bathing,
shopping, laundry, transportation to doctor, hair dresser, etc.)?
As
you compare Assisted Living homes, we hope this checklist will assure
you that the Assisted Living residence you choose will be one that
meets your needs.
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FAQ
