A Guide to the Right Choice

When you are looking for an assisted living or residential care setting for yourself or a loved one, please consider the following checklist to help you make the best choice.

Licensure 

	Does the home have a current license from the state?
	If the answer is "no," do not use the home.

Certification And Quality Review 

	Does the home have a formal quality assurance program?
	Does the facility belong to New Hampshire Health Care Association?
	Does the staff regularly attend educational programs to maintain or enhance there skills?

Moving In 

	What does the moving in process entail? What are the paperwork requirements and the timeframes involved?
	How is the initial assessment managed? Who completes the assessment?
	Is the residence affiliated with a hospital or nursing home should acute or long-term care be needed? If so, is there a priority admission process?
	If you need hospital or nursing home care, is your room held? What are the associated fees? Is there a discount for unused services (e.g. meals)?
	Does the residence subscribe to a set of resident rights and responsibilities? Is a written copy available?

Service Planning

	Are the family and the resident involved in the service planning process? How often are residents needs assessed? Who completes the assessment?
	Are there special programs for memory impaired residents and residents suffering with dementia? Are there accommodations for memory-impaired residents to be outside and exercise?
	Are there special programs for residents with disabilities?
	How are emergency situations managed? What is the protocol for such events? Is a physician available in an emergency?
	Will the facility assist in arranging for other medical services?
	Will the resident's personal physician be notified in an emergency?
	Does the home have a transfer arrangement with a nearby hospital? Is emergency transportation readily available?
	What happens if the health care needs of a resident change? Under what conditions are residents asked to move if there is a change in health status?

Services and Activities

	Does staff assist residents in administration of medication? If so, what kind of staff?
	Must the resident use the residence's pharmacy? Does the pharmacy provide a yearly review and consultation services?
	Are there professional nursing services on site? If not, does the staff assist residents and families in making arrangements through a home health agency?
	Are the services of a physical, occupational or speech therapist available or arranged?
	Does the residence provide bed linens and towels?
	Does the residence provide laundry service?
	Are there beauty and barber shop services available on site?
	Is assistance in bathing and grooming available?
	What recreational and spiritual activities are available? Obtain or review a copy of the activities calendar.
	Are arrangements made for residents to worship as they please?
	Are activities planned around each resident's individual preferences and life pattern?
	Are group and individual activities available?
	Are residents encouraged to participate?
	Are outside trips planned?
	Do volunteers work with residents?
	Are the activity supplies available for resident use outside of scheduled programs?
	Is transportation provided for medical appointments and recreational purposes?
	Is there a resident council? How often does it meet?
	What are the suggestion, complaint, or grievance procedures?
	Are social services available to assist residents and families?

Staff

	Ask about the residence's staffing patterns and philosophy about staffing.
	What training and qualifications are required for staff? Are there on-going training programs provided for staff?
	Observe staff and resident interactions. Are they positive? Courteous?
	Does staff show interest in and respect for individual residents?
	Is staff trained to protect resident dignity and privacy?
	Does staff know residents by name?
	Does staff handle resident requests in a timely way?
	Does the residence have a volunteer program? If yes, what types of activities do the volunteers perform?
	Does the administrator/ director practice an "open door' policy to answer questions, hear complaints, or discuss problems?

Costs and Fees

	What is included in the basic daily/monthly cost? Ask for a written copy.
	Does the residence have a written schedule of fees for extra services? If so, request a copy.
	Under what circumstances might the fees change? How much notice is given if there is a fee increase?
	Is there a security deposit? What is the refund policy? Are advanced payments returned if the resident leaves the home?
	Can service agreements and/or contracts be amended or modified?

Location

	Is the facility pleasing to the resident?
	Is the facility convenient for frequent visits of family and friends?
	Is the location of the residence convenient to shopping, medical services, and entertainment areas?
	Is the facility convenient for the resident's personal physician?
	Is the facility near a hospital where the resident's personal physician practices?

Cleanliness 

Is the facility as clean as you set your personal standards?

Lobby 

	Is the atmosphere welcoming?
	Is the furniture attractive and comfortable?
	Are certificates and licenses on display?

Hallways

	Are halls large enough for two-way traffic to pass easily?
	Are halls well lighted?

Living Space and Accommodations

	Are there adequate community areas for resident use? Is equipment (such as hobby supplies, easels, yarn, etc.) available? Are residents using equipment?
	Are the resident rooms furnished or unfurnished? What is the policy about personal belongings?
	What is the policy for overnight guests? Are there guestrooms available? What are the guest fees? Is outdoor furniture available for residents and visitors?
	Is additional storage space available? Is there an extra fee?
	Does the residence meet the rules for people with disabilities?
	Can residents have automobiles? Is there assigned parking? Is there an extra fee?
	Are there patios and courtyards available for resident use? Is there an area for resident gardening?
	Is exercise equipment available?
	Does the residence provide security?
	Are pets allowed to reside in the residence? If so, are there additional fees and or deposits? If not, are pets allowed to visit?

Toilet Facilities

	Are toilets convenient to bedrooms?
	Are they easy to use for a resident with physical challenges?
	Is there a sink conveniently available to each bathroom or bedroom?
	Do bathtubs and showers have non-slip surfaces and handgrips?

Dining Room And Meals 

	Is the dining area attractive and inviting?
	Are tables convenient for those with physical challenges?
	Are personal food likes and dislikes taken into consideration?
	Are special diets accommodated?
	Does a dietician or nutritionist review the menus? Request or review copies of the menus
	Is food tasty and attractively served? Ask to have a meal at the facility.
	How often do the menus rotate? Are residents and families involved in the menu planning?
	Are residents allowed to have guests for meals? Is there a separate guest dining room?
	Are there reasonable choices of dining times?
	Is plenty of time allowed for each meal?
	Are snacks available?
	Is food delivered to residents unable or unwilling to eat in the dining room?
	Are those needing help receiving it?

Kitchen

	Is the food preparation area separate from the dishwashing and garbage areas?
	Is food needing refrigeration not standing on counters?
	Does kitchen help observe sanitation rules?

Your Part 

If you are selecting a facility for someone else, are you: 

	Involving this person in the choice?
	Prepared to ease the resident's transition to the home by being with them on admission day and staying a few hours to get them settled?
	Ready to visit the resident frequently and to make sure that friends make similar visits?
	Willing to provide the resident with the same amount of love in the facility that you would if they were at home?

Waiting For Placement

After you have identified an appropriate facility, you may find there is no vacancy. Put your name on the waiting list. In the meantime, check alternatives such as day care, night care, home health agencies and other community resources that might help meet immediate needs.