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Questions to ask when touring a senior living facility.
Inside/Outside Atmosphere
o How does the residence look from the outside?
o As you enter is the decor attractive and home-like?
o Does the administrator/staff call residents by name and interact warmly?
o Do residents socialize with each other and appear happy and comfortable?
o Are you able to talk with residents about how they like the residence and staff?
o Can you see you or your loved one as a housemate with the residents?
o Is the staff friendly, appropriately dressed, and outgoing?
o Do the staff members treat each other in a professional manner?
o Can residents have visits any time?
Facility features
o Are doorways, hallways and rooms accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers?
o Are elevators available for those unable to use stairways?
o Are hand rails available to aid in walking?
o Do the floors have a non-skid material and carpets firmly sealed?
o Is the residence clean, free of odors and appropriately heated/cooled?
o Are the local/state licenses up to date?
o Are there clearly marked exits? Do they do any fire drills?
o What security is there if a resident wanders?
o Are there secure places for residents to take a walk or sit outside?
Health Care
o Does the residence have specific policies regarding storage of medication, assistance with medications, training and supervision of staff and record keeping?
o Is self-administration of medication allowed?
o Is there a staff person to coordinate home care visits from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc. if needed?
o Is staff available to assist residents who experience memory, orientation, of judgment losses?
o Does a physician or nurse visit the resident regularly to provide medical checkups?
o What is the procedure for responding to a medical emergency?
o To what extent are medical services available, and how are these services provided?
Unit Features
o Do dining room menus vary from day to day and meal to meal?
o Are different sized and types of units available?
o Are units for single and double occupancy available?
o Is a 24-hour emergency response system accessible from the unit?
o Do all units have a telephone and cable TV and how is billing handled?
o Are bathrooms private with handicapped accommodations – wheelchairs and walkers?
o Is a kitchen area/unit provided with a refrigerator, sink and cooking element?
o May residents keep food in their units?
o May residents smoke in their units? In public spaces?
Needs Assessments, Contracts & Finances
o Is a contractual agreement available that discloses healthcare and supportive services, all fees, as well as admission and discharge provisions?
o Does the residence have a process for assessing a potential resident’s need for services and are those needs addressed periodically?
o Are there any government, private or corporate programs available to help cover the cost of services to the resident?
o Is a contractual agreement available to include accommodations, personal care, health care and supportive services?
o Is there a procedure to pay for additional services when temporary services are needed?
o Are there different costs for various levels or categories of services?
o Do billing, payment and credit policies seem fair and reasonable?
o May a resident handle their own finances with staff assistance if they’re able, or should a family member or outside party be designated to do so?
o When may a contract be terminated? What are the policies for refunds and transfers?
o Is there an appeals process for dissatisfied residents?
o Is the billing itemized?
Services
o Can the residence provide a list of services available?
o Is staff available to provide 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) if needed?
ADLs include: Dressing; Eating; Mobility; Hygiene and grooming; Bathing, toileting and incontinence; Using the telephone; Shopping; and Laundry.
o Does the residence provide housekeeping services in residents’ units?
o Do they provide transportation to doctors’ offices and other activities desired by residents?
o Can residents arrange for transportation on fairly short notice?
o Are pharmacy, barber/beautician and/or physical therapy services offered on-site?
o What is the staff to patient ratio during the week? At night? On weekends?
Social & Recreational Activities
o Is there evidence of an organized activities program, such as a posted daily schedule, events in progress, reading materials, visitors, etc.?
o Do residents participate in activities outside of the residence in the neighboring community?
o Do volunteers, including family members, come into the residence to help with programs?
o Does the residence create a sense of community by requiring residents to participate in certain activities or perform simple chores for the group as a whole?
o Are residents’ pets allowed in the residence? Who is responsible for their care?
Meals
o Is there a nutritionist that works with the residence in establishing meals?
o How often are meals provided?
o What if a special diet is called for? (ie: diabetic or heart patient)
o Are snacks available?
o May a resident request special foods?
o May residents eat meals in their units?
o Are common dining areas available?
o May meals be provided at a time a resident would like or are there set times for meals?