Assisted Living Home Checklist - What To Look For When Searching For An Rcfe

Below is the checklist you should use when seeking assisted living for the elderly loved one in your family. These details can be overlooked without a checklist to reference.

Overall Quality

- What is your impression of the residents and they're level of care?
- Are the residents of the home woken up on time and ready by a certain time?
- How are the resident's appearances? How do they look, smell, and feel?
- Are there specific plans for each residents care?
- Does the Assisted living home offer specialized care for special needs like dementia?
- Does the home offer visits or access to doctors, RNs, and clinics, etc?
- Do the caregivers drive residents to medical appointments and is there an extra fee?
- Is there a plan to respond to medical emergencies?

Caregivers & Other employees of the home

- What are the requirements for caregivers to work in the home?
- Make sure the caregivers interact nicely with the residents.
- How long has the manager been working at the home?
- How is the employee turnover in this assisted living facility?
- How many caregivers are working in the daytime, at night, and on the weekends?
- How many residents are there in the home for each caregiver?
- Do the employees speak and understand English or any other needed language?
- Does the staff know how to work with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and dementia?
- Do the caregivers talk to residents in a friendly manner?
- Do the caregivers respond quickly to resident requests?
- How do employees respect resident's privacy?

Services provided to residents

- What is the system for distribution of medication?
- Is there a registered Nurse that comes on a regular basis?
- Does the home provide bed linens and towels?
- Does the facility provide laundry service?

Resident & Family Participation

- Are residents and their families involved in medical assessments, roommate approvals, and care planning sessions?
- What is the complaint process?
- Can residents select their favorite foods?
- Is there a Ombudsman Program poster and telephone number posted in the home?

Fun Trips and Social Interaction

- Do residents have fun and meaningful activities and events to take part in?
- Is there a activities director (mostly with larger facilities)?
- Are there trips outside of the assisted living home?
- Are there any religious or spiritual activities?

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

- Is the food fresh?
- Do the residents get help eating and drinking?
- Are residents and their families involved in the food selection process?
- Do the caregivers meet specific dietary needs?
- Snacks?
- Fresh Drinking Water?

Living Space and Accommodations

- How is the overall look and feel of the place?
- How does the home smell bad?
- Climate control?
- Safety measures such as special showers, locked drawers.
- How is security?
- How much space is provided for the sleeping area, living rooms, and dining areas?
- Are the floors slippery?
- Can the home accommodate a wheel chair?
- Do they have backyards or gardens for resident gardening?
- Do they allow pets in the home? If so, what type of pets and are there additional fees? If not, are pets allowed to visit?

Licensure and Certification

- Is the residence licensed by the state?

Proximity Accessibility

- What is around the general area of the home?
- Is it easy for family members and visitors to find?
- How far is it for close friends and family?
- How far away is the resident's doctor and clinic?
- Is there a hospital nearby?
- What are the visiting hours?

Reputation & Vibe

- Are you able to talk to other resident's families and other references?
- How was the staff in showing you around and answering your questions?
- Are you able to envision you or your loved one living in this home?
- What was your overall gut feeling about the home?

Money

- What is included for the base monthly fee?
- Do they accept Supplemental Security Income (SSI) residents?
- How do their prices compare to the competition?
- Are there any hidden, or fees that need to be paid up front?
- Refund policy?