Senior Housing Checklist from the Alliance

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
___ ___ ___ Do staff members appear courteous & attentive to residents and to each other?
___ ___ ___ Do staff members seem easily accessible to residents & family?
___ ___ ___ Is there a licensed nurse on the premises? Hours on site: _____________
___ ___ ___ Is the nurse available for periodic medical care and/or treatment? (i.e. injections, dressing changes, etc. )
                     Charge $_____
___ ___ ___ Are direct care workers licensed or do they receive special training on an ongoing basis?
___ ___ ___ Are background checks performed on all employees?
___ ___ ___ Are the services of other licensed professionals available? (i.e. social worker, recreational therapist, podiatrist, etc.)
___ ___ ___ Is direct care staff available on site 24/7 including holidays?
                     (Staff-to-resident ratio: AM_____ PM_____ Midnight_____)
___ ___ ___ Is supervision of staff provided by a trained professional?
___ ___ ___ Is staff able to accommodate special needs? (i.e. transferring, incontinence, stand by assists)

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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