Senior Housing Checklist

Home Check List

This checklist is designed as an educational tool to help consumers compare and contrast different assisted living
residences. Assisted living has no formal definition, so you will notice a wide variety in the services offered, the physical environments, policies and protections, etc. It is up to you, the consumer, to decide what residence is best suited to meet your individual needs and preferences. Here are a few tips and suggestions:

(1) Visit several residences so you have a basis for comparison.
(2) Schedule a guided tour with a knowledgeable staff person.
(3) Review the checklist prior to your visit and highlight the questions most important to you.
(4) Do not be afraid to ask questions.
(5) Do several informal walk-throughs at different times of the day.
(6) Talk with current residents and family members.

#1Residence ___________________________________
Address________________________________________
Telephone (    )_________ Contact Person_____________
Visit Date _____________ Appt. Time _________am/pm

#2 Residence ___________________________________
Address________________________________________
Telephone (    )_________ Contact Person_____________
Visit Date _____________ Appt. Time _________am/pm

#3 Residence ___________________________________
Address________________________________________
Telephone (    )_________ Contact Person_____________
Visit Date _____________ Appt. Time _________am/pm

FINANCES STAFFING SERVICES PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT POLICIES & PROTECTIONS MEALS

Residence

#1   #2    #3
___ ___ ___ Is the residency agreement or contract in clear and understandable language?
___ ___ ___ Do you understand the terms and conditions under which the contract can be terminated? (i.e. health or
      behavioral reasons, inability to pay, etc.)
___ ___ ___ Is it clear what the monthly base rate does and does not cover? (such as cable television, telephone, utilities,
                     beauty shop, personal care items)
___ ___ ___ Is a price sheet available for non-covered services?
___ ___ ___ Is there an initial entrance fee or security deposit? Amount $_____If yes, is all or part of it refundable?
___ ___ ___ Is a history of rate increases available for review?
___ ___ ___ If a resident's care needs increase, does the monthly rate increase?
___ ___ ___ Are Medicaid payments accepted?
___ ___ ___ Is financial assistance available to residents?

Click Here for a Printer Friendly Version of this Checklist to take with you when you tour homes.

This assisted living checklist was developed by a team of professionals who serve with Bay Area Senior Advocated (BASA) of Grand Traverse & Leelanau Counties. BASA Is a group of area non-profit and for profit businesses that work together to support and enrich the lives of older adults through collaboration, planning and advocacy.

Click on the Categories below for specific questions.

Checklist Note: For each residence you visit, check the box if the answer is "yes" to the stated question. If the answer is "no", leave the box blank.

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