How To Choose the Right Assisted Living Facility

HOW TO

SELECT THE RIGHT

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

forYour Loved Ones

Entrusting the care of yourloved ones to somebody

else, for what might be theirlast remaining years, is a big

decision not to be takenlightly.

GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME

Elderly individuals have difficulty adjusting to change,especially those suffering from any level of dementia.

Get it right the first time and your loved one will not sufferunnecesary additional stress by having to move to

another facility.

DON'T WAIT FOR A CRISIS -PLAN AHEAD

Don't put yourself in the position of having to findplacement urgently and end up settling for second best.

Plan ahead and give yourself the time to explore allpossible options.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Is the facility licensed?

Licensed facilities are held to a muchhigher standard by frequentinspections from regulatory agencies.

Regulatory authorities require licensesto be prominently displayed in thefacility - look for them.

Unlicensed facilities can get shutdown immediately, forcing you torelocate your loved one at very shortnotice.

Is the facility spotlessly maintained?

Is the facility clean throughout andfree of foul odors?

Are the outdoor areas clean and clearof debris?

Are the common areas free ofclutter? Clutter can lead to fall risks.

Review the staff

Are the staff professional, friendlyand happy?

Interview the operator. They call theshots. Judge accordingly.

Do they interact positively with theresidents?

National avg. staff turnover is 27%. Askthe facility what their turnover is.

What medical care is offered?

Does the facility have in-housephysicians and/or nurses?

What are the facility's hospitalizationand re-hospitalization rates?

How does the facility manage amedical emergency?

How is medication assistancehandled?

Licensed facilities are required toinventory and control access to allmedications.

Does the facility manage orders andrefills or is that your responsibility?

Licensed facilities are required torecord every medication administered.

Ask to inspect the medicationadministration system in use.

Is it an aging in place facility?

Does the facility provide end of lifecare? If not your loved one will have tobe moved again.

Does the facility work with hospiceprofessionals?

Are the staff well trained in end of lifecare?

How is the safety and security of theresidents managed?

Are there security cameras in andaround the facility? If so how are theymonitored?

Is there a sprinkler system installed?

What security systems are in place forentry/exit doors?

Are there fire & smoke detectorsthroughout the facility?

How good is the food?

Food is a significant cause forsatisfaction or dissatisfaction amongresidents. Ask the residents.

Regulations require that all menus areposted. Can you see them?

Does the facility use fresh produce orcanned food?

Is the kitchen clean and wellmaintained?

What activities are offered?

Boredom is very common due to ageand other physical or cognitivelimitations.

Activity events should be posted in allfacilities.

Regular activities are required, toprovide physical movement andmental and social stimulation.

Check pricing carefully.

Is the price "all-inclusive" or a baseprice with "add-ons"? What are thecosts for the "add-ons"

Find out when you can expect priceincreases.

What services are included for thequoted price?

Make sure to evaluate "apples toapples" when making pricecomparisons.

Talk to the residents!

Ask them "How do you like it here?"Be aware that some may suffer frommental or cognitive disorders.

Don’t hesitate to ask the facilityrepresentative for references fromresidents’ family members.

Residents in general will give aforthright and honest opinion of thefacility.

7534 Bear Canyon NEAlbuquerque, NM 87109

Tel: (505) 350 2563Fax: (505) 797 7045

www.aloveforlifellc.com