Choosing an assisted living facility is an important decision. Here are some points to consider when searching for a facility that meets your needs.
First, make sure the facility is licensed. Not all of them are. When a facility is licensed, you have more protections and a place to turn if you the need arises to file a complaint. Find out what services are included in the rate you will pay, and the cost of additional services offered at the facility. Two good places to get these answers in detail are the contracts and the discloser forms.
An increasing number of states require assisted living facilities to complete disclosure forms, which usually include details about the services provided. Request this form from the facility or go to your state licensing and certification agency’s website, referenced above.
Ask for a copy of the contract or agreement. Review it carefully to see exactly what will be provided, the fees that you must pay (“community service” fees are often required), and under what circumstances you may be asked to leave the facility.
Find out if the facility provides the type of special care you might need (for example, care for Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.) If so, ask what makes this care “special” and different from other care.
Discuss your needs, and any preferences or routines that are important to you, like taking a nap after lunch. Ask how staff will meet those needs, preferences and routines.
Ask assisted living facilities about their experience in providing the services you are requesting. Ask what education, training and experience the assisted living facility staff has. If the facility offers specialized care, ask what training staff receive to assist residents requiring this type of care.
Ask the assisted living facility if they conduct national or state background checks on all employees and ask what the staff-‐to-‐resident ratio is on each shift. The fewer residents per staff person, the better!
