Handy Senior Living Checklists

Checklists: Help You Choose Between Residential Alternatives

 

Checklists can help you determine which type of senior living is the right choice for you or your loved one. The search for senior housing can be confusing and overwhelming. Questions you will find yourself asking include: Which option offers the optimal level of care? Which has the right mix of amenities and affordability? Which will feel most like home? These are only a few of the many questions you’ll face when making this very important life decision.

Fortunately, Alternatives for Seniors offers a number of checklists to help you with your decision-making process. Simply print the checklists. Take them with you when you visit the senior living communities you’re considering. The checklists cover assisted living, independent living, and nursing home/rehabilitation centers. Each checklist acts as a guideline to help you think your way through your various choices.

Assisted-Living Checklists

The assisted living checklist covers the following categories:

(a couple representative questions from the checklist are also shown)

• Atmosphere

-  Do you like the community’s location? Outward appearance?

-  Do residents socialize and seem happy/comfortable?

• Physical Features

- Is the community well-designed for residents’ needs?

- Is the residence clean, free of odors, and appropriately heated/cooled?

• Medication & Healthcare

- Does the facility have specific policies regarding medication management?

- Does a physician or nurse visit the residence regularly?

• Individual Unit Features

- Are different sizes & types of units available? Single or double occupancy?

- Is a 24-hour emergency response system accessible from the unit?

• Assessments, Contracts, Costs & Finances

- Are billing, payment, and credit policies fair and reasonable?

- Can a contract be terminated early?

• Services

- Are additional services available if the resident’s needs change?

- Is 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living available?

• Food Service

- Does the residence provide three nutritionally balanced meals every day?

- Do menus vary from day to day and from meal to meal?

Independent Living Checklists

The independent living checklist covers the following issues:

(a couple representative concerns from the checklist are shown)

• Is an Independent Living Community right for you?

- I want to remain independent

- I have concerns about my health

• What to Look for When Visiting

- Activities offered

- Emergency call system

• Atmosphere

- Did you get a tour of the entire community?

- Are carpets and furniture clean?

• Individual Unit Features

- Are different sizes & types of units available?

- Does the unit have a full kitchen?

• Amenities & Services

- Are amenities operating and in good working condition?

- Are any residents using the activities room?

Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Center Checklists

The nursing home/rehabilitation center checklist covers the following categories:

(a couple representative questions from the checklist are shown)

• Atmosphere & Facility

- Is the atmosphere pleasant?

- Are there handrails along the walls?

• Staff & Patient Care

- Does staff seem to genuinely enjoy working with the residents?

- Are the rights of the residents clearly posted?

• Food Service

- Is the food hot, attractive and tasty?

- Are special diets available?

• Amenities & Services

- Are rehabilitative and therapeutic services available?

- Is Alzheimer’s/dementia care available?

• Administration – Assessments, Contracts, Costs & Finances

- Is the facility in good standing with state inspectors?

- Have fees increased significantly in the past few years?

If you’re seeking senior living alternatives for yourself or a senior loved one, be sure to take advantage of the helpful checklists provided at AlternativesforSeniors.com. Also, to begin your search for a senior apartment or an independent-living, assisted-living, or other continuing-care community, you can start your search at AlternativesforSeniors.com.

If you would like FREE personalized help finding senior housing, call (888) WE-ASSIST.

 

BLOG Date: August 28, 2013

Writer: Ryan Allen