What to Look for in a Senior Living Community: A Checklist for Families

Traci Arieli
Jun 19
3 min read

Choosing a senior living community- assisted living, memory care, or a continuing care retirement community- is a significant decision that impacts individuals and their families. It’s more than just amenities; it's about finding a place that feels like home, ensures safety, and provides quality care. This blog offers a comprehensive checklist to help you navigate your choices.

1. Assessing Care Needs

Level of Care: Determine if the community offers the appropriate level of care- independent living, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing. Some communities provide multiple levels, allowing residents to age in place. I advise looking for a community that offers options that support you or your loved one in terms of present health and future decline.
Staff Qualifications: Inquire about staff training, especially for memory care units. Are caregivers trained to handle specific conditions like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's?
Medical Services: Check if licensed nurses are on-site 24/7 and how medical emergencies are handled.

2. Evaluating the Living Environment within the Senior Living Community

Cleanliness and Maintenance: During your visit, observe the cleanliness of common areas and private rooms. Unpleasant odors or clutter can be red flags.
Safety Features: Ensure the facility has safety measures like handrails, non-slip flooring, emergency call systems, and well-lit hallways.
Room Options: Ask about room types- private or shared- and whether residents can personalize their spaces.
Pet Policies: If your loved one has a pet or hopes to adopt one, ask if the community is pet-friendly. Some allow small pets with additional fees or restrictions, while others offer community pets or therapy animal visits to support companionship and emotional well-being.

3. Dining and Nutrition

Meal Quality: Sample a meal if possible. Are the meals nutritious and appetizing?
Dietary Accommodations: Can the facility cater to specific dietary needs or restrictions?
Dining Experience: Observe the dining area. Is it a welcoming environment that encourages social interaction?

4. Activities and Social Engagement

Activity Calendar: Review the schedule of activities. Are there diverse options catering to various interests and abilities?
Community Engagement: Does the facility encourage socialization through group events, outings, or clubs?
Personalized Activities: Are there tailored activities for residents with cognitive impairments to stimulate and engage them?

5. Staff and Resident Interactions

Staff Behavior: Observe how staff interact with residents. Are they respectful, patient, and attentive?
Resident Feedback: Talk to current residents and their families about their experiences.
Staff Turnover: High turnover can indicate underlying issues. Ask about staff retention rates.
Staff-to-Resident Ratio: Ask how many residents each caregiver is responsible for during the day and at night. A lower ratio (meaning each staff member cares for fewer residents) typically results in more attentive, personalized care. For example, memory care settings often aim for around 1 staff per 5-6 residents (daytime), while assisted living might be closer to 1 per 6-8 (daytime).

6. Understanding Costs and Contracts

Transparent Pricing: Request a detailed breakdown of costs, including what's included and any additional fees.
Contract Terms: Carefully review the contract. Are there clauses about rate increases, refund policies, or reasons for eviction?
Financial Stability: Research the facility's financial health. Facilities with financial issues may compromise care quality.

7. Red Flags to Watch For

Lack of Engagement: If residents seem disengaged or inactive, it might indicate a lack of stimulating activities.
Overmedication: Be wary if residents appear overly sedated, which could suggest overmedication to manage behaviors.
Poor Communication: Not receiving clear answers from staff or management can be a warning sign.

Selecting the right senior living community is a journey that requires diligence, observation, and asking the right questions. Use this checklist as a guide, but also trust your instincts. The right community should meet medical and safety needs and provide a nurturing environment where your loved one can thrive.

Links/Resources