Choosing an assisted living facility is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. You want to ensure the best possible living environment for your loved one, but you may not know what to look for or the right questions to ask. Beyond financial planning, there are many other factors to consider. Our checklist is designed to help you understand what to look for in assisted living.
Accommodations
Each assisted living facility offers different accommodations, with varying floor plans, furnishings and amenities. Understanding what options are available and modifications that can be made — for instance, accessibility features — are important factors to consider when choosing an assisted living facility.
What to Look For:
- Clean and comfortable living quarters with nice furnishings and natural lighting.
- Mobility assistance modifications such as grab bars, ramps, and wheelchair accessibility.
- Attentive staff who are readily available to assist with housekeeping, grooming, bathing, and other daily tasks as needed.
What to Ask:
- What types of living arrangements are available? Private rooms, shared rooms, apartments?
- Are the accommodations furnished, or can residents bring their own furniture and personal items?
- What is the process for submitting maintenance requests? How quickly are issues typically resolved?
- Do you offer housekeeping and/or laundry services?
Who to Talk to:
- Administrators
Care Quality
Knowing what to look for in assisted living facilities is important to ensure your loved one will receive comprehensive support for their unique care needs. Whether it’s memory care or diabetes management, be sure to confirm the facility offers care services that your loved one needs.
What to Look For:
- Staff who are kind, compassionate, and engaged with residents.
- Clinicians of various specialties to support residents’ care needs.
- Residents with more comprehensive care needs are consistently with caregivers rather than by themselves.
- Residents look content, well-groomed, and comfortable.
- Residents are wearing clean clothes.
- Staff are consistently available to help residents.
What to Ask:
- What support is available for activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management?
- Is there a registered nurse on staff 24/7?
- How are resident care plans developed? How often are they reviewed and updated?
- What specialized care options are available? Do you offer memory care services for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s?
- What is the process for handling medical emergencies and coordinating with healthcare providers?
Who to Talk to:
- Administrators
- Directors of Nursing
- Family members of other residents
Dining
Dining programs are another important aspect of what to look for in assisted living. Of course, you want your loved one to eat balanced, nutritious meals that support their specific dietary needs — but you also want them to enjoy delicious food and the mealtime experience. Communal dining can help foster social interaction and a sense of community, enhancing residents’ overall quality of life.
What to Look For:
- Meals look fresh, nutrient-dense, and tasty.
- Dining areas that are clean, comfortable, and provide a pleasant atmosphere.
- Residents look like they’re enjoying their meals.
- Residents are socializing with each other and enjoying each other’s company.
What to Ask:
- Can I see a sample menu of your facility’s food offerings?
- How often does the menu change?
- Are there staff dietitians or nutritionists to ensure meals are balanced and nutritious?
- Can the kitchen accommodate special dietary requirements such as low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, or vegetarian diets?
- Is there an option for a pureed diet for those who suffer from dysphagia?
- Can residents choose their mealtimes and are there flexible dining areas?
- How are resident preferences and feedback collected and addressed?
- Are guests allowed to join residents for meals?
- How does the facility handle food allergies and cross-contamination concerns?
- Are there themed meals or special dining events to enhance the dining experience?
Who to Talk to:
- Staff dietitian or nutritionist
- Administrators
- Chefs
- Food service providers
Amenities
An assisted living facility’s amenities can help significantly enhance a resident’s quality of life. They ease the transition from home to facility and help your loved one maintain some semblance of their former routines.
What to Look For:
- Communal spaces apart from dining areas.
- Convenient onsite offerings, like a barber shop and gym.
- Well-maintained (i.e., no weeds or trip hazards) outdoor spaces that residents can enjoy safely.
- The assisted living building feels more like a community rather than a traditional facility.
What to Ask:
- What amenities do you offer?
- Are fitness facilities available? Do you offer custom exercise programs or personal trainers?
- Do you offer transportation services? How often can residents access this service?
- Are there any on-site services such as a beauty salon, barber shop, library, or movie theater?
- Is there a communal space for family gatherings or private events?
- Do you have Wi-Fi? Is it free for residents?
- Are spiritual services or religious activities available onsite or nearby?
- Do you offer free parking?
Who to Talk to:
- Administrators
Activities
Activities have the power to transform an assisted living community. They help residents stay active and engaged, and contribute to their overall well-being. Assisted living facilities that offer a range of activity programs can help residents maintain a sense of autonomy, purpose, and community. When considering an assisted living community for your loved one, it’s equally important to gauge the variety, quality, and inclusiveness of activities that the community offers.
What to Look For:
- Residents are social with each other and with staff.
- Residents appear happy and engaged.
- Residents are also actively participating in activities rather than isolated in their rooms.
What to Ask:
- What are your policies on visitation and communication with family members?
- What types of activities or programs do you offer and how often do they occur?
- Can you personalize activities based on different abilities?
- Can I see a sample activities and events calendar?
- How does the facility encourage resident participation in activities?
- Are there opportunities for residents to suggest or lead activities and events?
- Does the facility offer outings or trips to local events, attractions, shopping, etc.?
- Can family members participate in or attend activities or events?
Who to Ask:
- Activities Directors
- Administrators
Now that you know what to look for in assisted living, it’s time to schedule a tour. Find an assisted living facility near you or call us at 855-277-8550 to help schedule a tour. Be sure to download our Senior Care Checklist and take it with you!
