Checklist For Assisted Living Facilities

Here’s a comprehensive Checklist for Evaluating an Assisted Living Facility, whether for yourself or a loved one. This checklist covers key categories such as safety, care, amenities, staff, and financial clarity.

✅ Assisted Living Facility Checklist

🏠 Facility Basics

•  Is the location convenient for family and friends to visit?

•  Is the building clean, well-maintained, and odor-free?

•  Are common areas inviting and well-furnished?

•  Is there secure entry and exit for safety?

🛏️ Living Accommodations

•  Are apartments/rooms private or shared? Options available?

•  Are units equipped with safety features (grab bars, emergency call buttons)?

•  Can residents personalize their space?

•  Are bathrooms accessible and safe?

•  Is housekeeping/laundry provided?

🧑‍⚕️ Care and Services

•  Are care plans customized per resident?

•  Is 24/7 staff availability guaranteed?

•  What medical services are offered (e.g., medication management, nurse on site)?

•  Are memory care services available if needed?

•  What’s the process for handling medical emergencies?

🧑‍🍳 Dining and Nutrition

•  Are meals freshly prepared on-site?

•  Are menus balanced and accommodating for dietary restrictions?

•  Can residents choose from multiple dining options?

•  Are snacks and drinks available throughout the day?

•  Can family join for meals?

🎯 Activities and Engagement

•  Is there a varied schedule of social, recreational, and wellness activities?

•  Are there outings or transportation to community events?

•  Is there a fitness or physical therapy area?

•  Are spiritual or religious services available?

👥 Staff and Culture

•  Is staff friendly, respectful, and engaging with residents?

•  What is the staff-to-resident ratio?

•  Is staff trained in dementia care, first aid, and emergency response?

•  Are background checks and ongoing training required?

•  How does staff communicate with family?

💵 Costs and Contracts

•  What’s included in the monthly rate? (e.g., rent, meals, utilities, care)

•  Are care services charged à la carte or bundled?

•  Are there move-in fees, deposits, or annual increases?

•  What happens if care needs increase?

•  Is Medicaid/long-term care insurance accepted?

🔄 Admission and Transition Process

•  What’s the move-in process like?

•  Is there a trial stay option?

•  What happens if the resident needs skilled nursing or must leave the facility?

🧪 Inspection and Reputation

•  Are state inspection reports available?

•  Are there any recent violations or complaints?

•  Can you speak with current residents or families?

•  What’s the facility’s reputation locally or online?

📝 Pro Tip:

Bring this checklist with you during visits and take notes. Trust your instincts—how a place “feels” is just as important as the answers you get.