What Services are Provided?

Residents of assisted living facilities usually have their own units or apartment. In addition to having a support staff and providing meals, most assisted living facilities also offer at least some of the following services:

• Health care management and monitoring
• Help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Medication reminders and/or help with medications
• Recreational activities
• Security
• Transportation

How to Choose a Facility?

The following suggestions can help you get started in your search for a safe, comfortable and appropriate assisted living facility:

• Think ahead. What will the resident’s future needs be and how will the facility meet those needs?
• Is the facility close to family and friends? Are there any shopping centers or other businesses nearby (within walking distance)?
• Do admission and retention policies exclude people with severe cognitive impairments or severe physical disabilities?
• Does the facility provide a written statement of the philosophy of care?
• Visit each facility more than once, sometimes unannounced.
• Visit at meal times, sample the food, and observe the quality of mealtime and the service.
• Observe interactions among residents and staff.
• Check to see if the facility offers social, recreational, and spiritual activities.
• Talk to residents.
• Learn what types of training staff receive and how frequently they receive training.
• Review state licensing reports.