Touring and Choosing Your Assisted Living Community
Choosing the appropriate "home" does not need to be difficult if you are realistic about several things right from the start. Know and be honest about health conditions, finances and personality. A residence cannot accept someone who cannot show adequate financial information and support nor can they accept or keep anyone whom they cannot realistically care for. The size of the facility can make a real difference to some people. Small facilities can help a person blossom or feel 'too close'. Larger facilities can be overwhelming or offer 'individual space' while receiving help from others for care. Try to tour several small and large facilities with the person who will be making the move. The 'personality' of a facility can often make a real difference and what one person may choose may not be to the liking of another. Look for:
Building Features
Staff and residents
Room or apartment features
Can you furnish your own room and what can you bring?
What is the closet and storage space like?
Are pets allowed and what kind? Can they help you with any assistance you may need with your pet?
If needed, what is the 24 hour emergency response system?
Information on shared or individual use of phones and cable.
Services and Health Care
When is staff available?
Is there help with dressing, medications, personal care, and toileting if necessary?
Is there someone to help coordinate homecare, medical visits or therapy?
How are medical emergencies handled?
What services are right there and what may be in the neighborhood, i.e. pharmacy, bank, religious services, beauty or barber shop?
How do you get there? Is there transportation?
What are meals like? Special diets? Snacks? Are guests welcome?
What type of activities and programs are there? What is available off site?
Assessments Contracts and finances
Who does the initial assessment and who can or should be there? How often are they done?
How do they meet changing needs?
What is in the contract?
What fees are included now or could there be later?
What happens if the person goes on vacation or needs skilled care for a while?
Is there an affiliated medical facility or skilled care facility to which the person would automatically be sent? What changes would you then have to make?
Are there other affiliated services or are you free to choose your own?
After the placement in an assisted living facility there will be an adjustment period. For the individual and the caregiver there may be relief that an appropriate living option has been found. However, the involvement with the facility does not end upon moving in. Work with the staff and home managers. Be supportive of the staff and stay involved. Be aware of changes. Have appropriate people involved in both new and regular assessments and service plans. Keep in mind that this is a new 'home' as well as a facility providing services. Both have rights and rules to follow. (See the above individual sections for licensing rules and regulations information along with numbers to contact. ) When working together there can be a real quality life experience for the resident.
Community Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs)