There is so much to cover when selecting care facility that it is best to do so with a checklist. Here is an abbreviated checklist. You can download the full checklist as a PDF form from our website at www.CielitoLindoSeniorLiving.com
General Observations |
| You are greeted and feel welcome? |
| Staff members are genuinely kind and caring to residents? |
| Staff call residents by name? |
| How many living units are there? |
| Residents appear engaged and happy? |
Staff |
| What is the ratio of staff to residents? |
| Staff and residents are well-groomed? |
| Doctor (GP, Gerontologist) on-site full-time? |
| Psychologist on-site full-time? |
| Physical Therapist on-site full-time? |
| Are there qualified staff to administer medications? |
Meals |
| Meals are nutritious and appealing? |
| Meals may be tuned to individual residents dietary needs? |
| Do they have a special memory care dining program? |
Rooms/Suites/Facilities |
| Residence is clean and scent-free? |
| The facilities are aesthetically appealing, warm and inviting? |
| The layout and floor plan make rooms and communal spaces easy to find? |
| Do the rooms provide safety, warmth, comfort, privacy and opportunity for personalization? |
| Are there outdoor spaces that are accessible, warm, beautiful and inviting where residents can enjoy fresh air, sunshine and be able to socialize? |
| Is the residence cheerful? |
| Do you feel good about it? |
| Are stairs and hallways well lit? |
| Are exits well marked? |
| Do rooms and bathrooms have handrails and call buttons? |
| Are there safety locks on the doors and windows? |
| Are there security and fire safety systems? |
| Is there an emergency generator or alternate power source? |
| Is the floor plan logical and easy to follow? |
| Are the rooms large enough for the resident’s needs? |
| Temperature is comfortable? |
| Lighting is good? |
| Are different sizes and types of units available? |
| Are all the rooms private? |
| Are bathrooms private? |
| Does the residence offer special care units such as those serving people with Alzheimer’s disease? |
Activities/Care |
| There is a robust set of activities that your loved one will enjoy and benefits from? |
| Is an individual plan of care maintained for each resident? Does that care properly address the unique, physical, cognitive, behavioral and medical needs of each guest |
| Are the residents and families included in the process of preparing care plans? |
| What additional services are available if the needs of a resident change? |
| Who coordinates and supervises outside care-provider visits? |
| Is there a physician who visits the facility regularly, or better yet, on-site? What about a physical therapist? Psychologist? Gerontologist? Holistic Medical Practitioner? |
| What is the policy for handling medical emergencies? |
| Do they have an assisted-living-to-Alzheimer’s care bridge program for early-stage patients? |
| Do they have walking paths or circular walking paths for residents? |
| Snoezelen rooms? Or other light treatment? |
| Do they group residents by cognitive level? |
| Do they offer pet therapy? |
| Music therapy? |
| Reminiscence therapy? |
Safety |
| What is the policy and practices for handling medical emergencies? |
| What additional services are available if the needs of a resident change? |
| Handrails are available throughout hallways? |
| Who coordinates outside care-provider visits? |
| Exits are clearly marked? |
Total Assistance |
| What sort of efforts are taken to make this entire process easier for the caregiver, family and friends? |
| Easilty to schedule and conduct video calls |
| Facilitating relocation, perhaps into associated CCRC? |
| Regular reports and photos |
| Helping by offering the lowest costs possible? |
| Helping to reduce Rx costs with Pharmacy partnership? |
Contract |
| Is a contract available that details fees, services, and admission and discharge policies? |
| Is the contract easy to read? |
| Do you understand everything in it? |
| Are specific services provided by the residence? |
| Does the contract include all of the services you are looking for? |
| How frequently are services provided? |
| What do additional services cost? |
| Are health care services included? |
| When and where are meals served? |
| Which ones? |
| Does the contract address levels of care? How many? |
| Are linens/laundry provided? |
| Are all meals served 7 days a week? |
| Who determines level of care? Are there services for each level? |
| Are transportation services provided? |
| Does the residence offer worship services? |
| What are the entrance fees? |
| What is the security deposit? |
| What is the monthly rent? |
| Are security deposits refundable? |
| Are utilities included? |
| Is telephone included? Long distance? |
| How are rate increases handled? |
| Does the contract cover transfer and discharge policies? |
| Who makes transfer and discharge decisions? |
| Is the living area held if the resident is in the hospital? |
| Can you have a pet? |
| Can you have personal furniture? |
| Can you come and go at will? |
| Can personal visitors come and go at will? |
| Does the contract deny your right to bring legal action against the residence for injury, negligence, or other cause? |
Download Assisted Living Checklist – For your convenience, our comprehensive Assisted Living Checklist is available for download as a PDF. Additionally, give us a call at +1.888.406.7990 or email us at information.cielitolindo@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you.