Finding the right assisted living community for yourself or a loved one can be a difficult journey. After 15 years in the business, I’ve put together my 25 top tips for vetting a location and staff to make sure it’s the right fit. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
— Jess
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https://secure.dss.ca.gov/CareFacilitySearch/Search/AdultResidentialAndDaycare
The Department of Social Services has a link to licensed facilities. You can check status, review any fines or citations, subscribe to updates.
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Visit early in the morning or later in the evening, if feasible.
Most tours are scheduled during typical business hours but you can get a sense of community by visiting outside of typical business hours. -
Eat meals at different meal times at the community.
Most communities will invite you to a meal for lunch. Some communities are open to the public as well for a fee. Good quality food and meals are very important in communities. It’s a pivotal point to the day and seniors look forward to their meals. -
Ask to speak to some of the residents and if possible, some of their adult children if you think it would help you in the decision process.
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Understand their fee structure for all levels of services.
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Ask if there is a community/move-in fee? This can sometimes be negotiable.
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Ask if there is a waiting list and if so, what is the policy?
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Learn about the leadership of the organization If they are religious based, does it resonate with you?
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What do their transportation or travel services entail?
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Can you age in place? In addition to Assisted Living is there a memory care unit? Do they have a skilled nursing facility on campus?
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How many staff members care for each resident
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What type of training does your care staff complete?
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Are staff onsite 24/7?
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Can staff administer medication?
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Do they have a respite program? Can you do a trial period?
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What is your waitlist policy?
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Do you have an activities calendar?
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What is your billing policy?
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Do you offer hospice and end of life care?
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If supplemental care giving services are needed outside scope of community do you provide care coordination?
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How far away is nearest hospital?
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Do they allow pets?
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Does community have an advisory board. If so, are they the residents of community?
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Who conducts the assessment for evaluation in the community? Can you view the assessment?
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The greatest tip I could give anyone is to pay attention to the professionalism and attitude of the care givers. They are the facilitators of the community. Leadership and management has a great influence over the overall operations and conditions, but it’s the performance of the care givers that give you the greatest insight on how the community thrives.
