Assisted living offers a mix of security and independent living, privacy and companionship and physical and social well-being. Assisted living communities in Ohio are required to be licensed by the State as residential care facilities if they provide any skilled nursing care such as administering medication or supervising diets. However, there are limitations to the amount of skilled care that a resident can receive within a licensed assisted living community. Below are lists of questions you should ask both yourself and the administration when looking at assisted living facilities. There are not necessarily any right or wrong answers; however, it is important to find a facility that can accommodate your needs.
About the organization
Is the environment comforting?
Does the assisted living community have a written description of its services and fees?
Will an admission contract be used? If so, does the admission agreement describe the service package (room, board, supervision, personal care, etc.) and prices?
Does the community strive to maintain resident autonomy and independence?
Does the assisted living community conduct a preliminary evaluation of the types of services the resident needs? Are family members or appropriate health care professionals involved in this evaluation?
Does the community create a service plan for each new resident?
Is there a staff person to coordinate home health care visits from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc. if needed?
Does the assisted living community explain the resident's rights and responsibilities? Ask to see a copy of the rights and responsibilities information.
Is there an official process to address resident complaints?
Does the organization have a resident council? A resident council meets regularly to talk about the care and services provided and ways to improve them. If there is a resident council, how often are the meetings? How does management deal with suggestions from the resident council, families and residents?
Are there different costs for various levels or categories of services?
Do billing, payment, and credit policies seem fair and reasonable?
Are there any government, private, or corporate programs available to help cover the cost of services to the resident?
Are residents required to purchase renters' insurance for personal property in their rooms?
Is 24-hour supervision or assistance available if needed?
Are health-related services and trained staff available should the resident need them?
Does the residence have specific policies regarding storage of medication, assistance with medications, training and supervision of staff, and record keeping?
Is self-administration of medication allowed?
Is staff available to assist residents who experience memory, orientation, or judgment losses?
What happens if the resident needs skilled nursing care temporarily and what are the costs?
As the resident's needs change, how is the decision made whether he or she will be able to continue living in the assisted living community?
Do they offer other services such as skilled nursing, memory care or rehabilitation on site?
Physical Features of the Residence and Facility
Is the community well-designed for your needs?
Is the floor plan easy to follow?
Are doorways, hallways, and rooms accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers?
Are elevators available for those unable to use stairways?
Are handrails available to aid in walking?
Are cupboards and shelves easy to reach?
Are floors of non-skid material and carpets firm to ease walking?
Does the residence have good natural and artificial lighting?
Is the residence clean, free of odors, and appropriately heated/cooled?
Are units for single and double occupancy available?
Do residents have their own lockable doors?
Is a 24-hour emergency response system accessible from the unit?
Are bathrooms private and designed to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers?
Are residents able to bring their own furnishings for their unit? What may they bring? What is provided?
Do all units have a telephone and cable or satellite TV? How is billing handled?
Is a kitchen area provided with a refrigerator, sink, and cooking element?
May residents smoke in their units? In public spaces?
May residents decorate their own units?
Does the residence provide housekeeping services in residents' units?
Can residents arrange for transportation on fairly short notice?
Are pharmacy, barber/beautician, and/or physical therapy services offered onsite?
Does the residence provide transportation to doctors' offices, the hairdresser, shopping, and other activities desired by residents?
Does the residence have sprinklers and clearly marked exits?
Does the residence have a means of security if a resident wanders?
Social & Recreational Activities
Is there evidence of organized activities, such as a posted daily schedule, events in progress, reading materials, visitors, etc.?
Do residents participate in activities outside of the residence in the neighboring community?
Does the residence have its own pets?
Are residents' pets allowed in the residence? Who is responsible for their care?
Do volunteers, including family members, come into the residence to help with or to conduct programs?
Does the residence create a sense of community by encouraging residents to participate in activities?
Are there opportunities to attend religious services?
Food Service
Do dining room menus vary from day to day and meal to meal?
Does the residence provide three nutritionally balanced meals a day, seven days a week?
Are snacks available?
May a resident request special foods, and can the residence accommodate special dietary needs?
Are common dining areas available?
May residents eat meals in their units?
May meals be provided at a time a resident would like, or are there set times for meals?
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