Alzheimer's Care, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Retirement Communities

senior housing & care > selecting care > checklist/helpful tools

Is an Independent Living Community right for you or your loved one?
Below are a number of considerations to help you determine if a move to an independent living community is right for you or a loved one. Print out this guide to take with you when you visit the community.

Yes	No	N/A
			I want to remain independent as long as I am able.
			I have concerns about my health.
			Emergency medical help is important to me.
			Housekeeping assistance would be helpful to me.
			I would like assistance with home maintenance and repairs.
			I would like assistance with some outdoor maintenance.
			I would enjoy the opportunity to meet new people in a social setting.
			I would like planned social and recreational activities.
			I would like transportation service available.
			I would like meals prepared for me.
			I am willing to move from where I live now.
			I would feel safer if I moved somewhere else.

What to look for when visiting an Independent Living Community
The following is a service checklist to help guide you. Determine whether each service is included in the fees or is available for an additional charge.

Activities (type and how frequently offered) __________________________________

Meals (number per day and ability to meet special dietary needs); tray service (if ordered by a doctor) __________________________________

Barber/beauty shop

Utilities

Laundry facilities and services

Telephone services

Kitchen appliances (kitchen or kitchenette in unit) __________________________________

Safety Features (emergency pull cords or call systems in apartments, fire sprinklers & smoke alarms, ample lighting)

Bathrooms (full private bathrooms in units, step-in showers)

Security System

Handicapped access

Exercise programs, including recreational activities

Guest accommodations

Staff (available 24 hours a day, helpful, appropriate ratio, strong management reputation)

Parking (garage, carport or in the open)

Housekeeping (linen availability)

Scheduled transportation

Dining Facility (proximity to apartment, cleanliness)

Storage

Facility (overall appearance, maintenance)

Have you requested:
Resident as guide?
Lunch with residents?
Tour of entire community?
Guest suite available for overnight stay?

	What was your feeling when you toured the community? ____________________________________________________________________
	Was there activity in the main lounge?
	Was mealtime in the dining room pleasant?
	Were any residents using the activities room?
	Were any residents using the exercise facilities?
	Was there activity in the library or other common areas?
	Are carpets and furniture clean?
	Are amenities operating?
	Was staff friendly and respectful?
	Did staff know residents by name?
	Have the common areas and apartments been designed to allow you to live as easily and independently as you would like?
	Other observations you feel are important? ____________________________________________________________________
	What percentage of the apartments have been rented and are occupied? __________________________________
	Is the management staff experienced? Effective? Friendly and personable? __________________________________
	Does the community have a good reputation in the local community?
	Your thoughts and feelings about your visit: ____________________________________________________________________

Although you may have additional questions and insights, please use this as a guideline to assist with your initial tour and information gathering.

Equal Housing Opportunity.