FAQ's
What to Look for in Assisted Living Communities
Consumer Checklist from the Assisted Living Federation
The following is a consumer checklist of important services, amenities and accomodations in assisted living communities.
Each community is unique. ALFA recommends making several visits, at various times of day, to each residence you are considering.
Consider the the following as you assess an assisted living residence:
ATMOSPHERE
- As you enter the lobby and tour the residence, is the decor attractive and homelike?
- Did you receive a warm greeting from staff welcoming you to the residence?
- Are staff appropriately dressed, personable and outgoing?
PHYSICAL FEATURES
- Is the floor plan easy to follow?
- Does the residence have good natural and artificial lighting?
- Is the residence clean, free of odors and appropriately heated/cooled?
NEEDS ASSESSMENTS, CONTRACTS, COSTS & FINANCES
- Is there a written plan for the care of each resident?
- Are there different costs for various levels or categories of services?
- Do billing, payment and credit policies seem fair and reasonable?
MEDICATION & HEALTH CARE
- Does the residence have specific policies regarding storage of medication, assistance with
medications, training and supervision of staff and record keeping?
- Is self-administration of medication allowed?
- Are staff available to assist residents who experience memory, orientation, of judgment losses?
