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| Personal Care Needs |
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Is there a written plan for the care of each resident? |
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Does the initial needs assessment include the resident, family, and facility staff, along with a physician? |
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Is there an ongoing process for assessing a resident's need for services? How often are those needs evaluated? |
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How does the facility accommodate residents with changing needs? |
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Is staff available to provide 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)? |
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Does the residence have programs for Alzheimer's, dementia, and other special needs? |
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How often does a staff member check on a resident's whereabouts and well-being? |
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If a resident's behavior changes and becomes verbally or physically abusive, what is the facility's course of action? |
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| Health Care Needs |
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Does a physician/nurse make regular checkups? To what extent is medical care available? |
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Will the staff set up medical appointments and transportation for each resident? |
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Does the residence's pharmacy provide delivery, consultation, and review of medicines? |
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Does staff supervise/assist residents in taking medicine? May residents take their own medications? |
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What health care services are available at the facility? Physical therapy? Wound care? Hospice care? Social services? |
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Does the residence have a clearly stated procedure for responding to medical emergencies? Is there an arrangement with a nearby hospital? |
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Under what circumstances does the facility call the family, or the resident's doctor? |
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| Resident Services |
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What resident services are available onsite? |
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Are housekeeping, linen service, and personal laundry included in the fees, or are they available at an additional charge? Are on-site laundry facilities available and convenient? |
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Does the residence provide transportation to doctors' offices, the hairdresser, shopping, and other activities, and can it be arranged on short notice? |
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| Location |
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Do you like the facility's outward appearance? |
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Is the facility convenient for frequent visits by family and friends? |
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Is the facility near shopping centers and other entertainment? |
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Can the resident access a medical complex easily? |
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Is public transportation available and accessible? |
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| Living Environment |
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Is the decor attractive and homey? |
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Is the floor plan well designed and easy to follow? |
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Are doorways, hallways, and rooms accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers? |
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Are elevators available for those unable to use stairways? |
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Are hand rails available to aid in walking? |
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Are floor coverings made of a nonskid material? |
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Is the residence clean, free of odors, and appropriately heated/cooled? |
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Does the residence have good lighting, sprinklers, and clearly marked exits? |
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What is the facility's means of security if a resident wanders? |
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Is there an emergency evacuation plan? |
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Does the facility hold fire drills? |
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| Accommodations |
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How many living units are in the facility? |
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Are there different sizes and types of units available with optional floor plans? |
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Are units for single and double occupancy available? |
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What percentage of the apartments has been rented and is occupied? |
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Is there a waiting list? If so, how long will it take to be admitted? |
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Does the residence have furnished/unfurnished rooms? |
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May residents decorate their own rooms? Is there adequate storage space? |
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Is a 24-hour emergency response system accessible from the unit? |
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Are bathrooms private with handicapped accommodations for wheelchairs and walkers? |
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Do all units have a telephone and cable TV, and how is billing handled? |
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Does each kitchen unit have a refrigerator, sink, and cooking element? |
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May residents smoke in their units? Are there designated public areas for smoking? |
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| Meals |
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Does the residence provide three nutritionally balanced meals a day, seven days a week? How does the menu vary? |
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Does a qualified dietitian plan or approve menus? Is residents' weight routinely monitored? |
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Are residents involved in menu planning, and may they request special foods? |
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Are common dining areas available? |
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Are meals provided only at set times or is there some flexibility? Are snacks available? |
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How many meals are included in the fee? If a resident becomes ill, is tray service available? |
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Can residents have guests dine with them for an additional fee? Is there a private dining room for special events and occasions? |
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Can residents eat meals in their units? |
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| Social and Recreational Activities |
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What kinds of recreational activities are offered? |
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Is there an organized activities program with a posted daily schedule of events? |
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Do volunteers and family members come into the residence to participate in or conduct programs? |
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Does the facility schedule trips or go to other events off premises? |
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Are there supplies for social activities/hobbies (games, cards, crafts, computers, gardening)? |
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Are religious services held on the premises or are arrangements made for nearby services? |
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Are there fitness facilities as well as regularly scheduled exercise classes? |
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Does the residence create a sense of community by allowing residents to participate in certain activities together or perform simple chores for the group as a whole? |
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Are pets allowed in the residence? Who is responsible for their care? |
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| Other Residents |
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Do residents socialize with each other and appear comfortable and content? |
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Do the residents seem to be appropriate housemates for the prospective resident? |
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Are visits with residents welcome at any time? |
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| Staff |
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What are the hiring procedures and requirements for staff eligibility? Are criminal background checks, references, and certifications required? |
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Is there a staff training program in place, and what does it entail? |
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Is the administrator available to answer questions or discuss problems, and would you be comfortable dealing with him/her on a daily basis? |
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What is the staff-to-resident ratio? |
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How long are staff shifts? |
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Is the staff courteous to residents and to each other? |
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How does the staff respond to your questions? |
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Is the staff trained to deal with aggressive residents? Wanderers? |
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| Licensure and Certification |
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Does the residence have a current license/certification? |
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Does the administrator have a current license/certification? |
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Is the facility a member of a trade or professional association? |
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What reputation does the facility have in the community? How long has it been in business? Is it in good financial health? Does the facility follow generally accepted accounting procedures? |
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If the facility is sponsored by a nonprofit organization and managed under contract with a commercial firm, what are the conditions of that contract? |
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Is there a resident council or organization through which residents/family have a means of voicing their views on the management of the community? |
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| Contract and Costs |
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Is a contractual agreement available that clearly discloses health care, accommodations, personal care and supportive services, all fees, and admission and discharge provisions? |
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May a resident handle his/her own finances, or must a family member or outside party be designated? |
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What is the payment schedule? |
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Do residents own or rent their unit? Are residents required to purchase renters' insurance for personal property in their units? |
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What is the monthly fee? How often can it be increased and for what reasons? What is the history on monthly fee increases? |
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What are the specific costs for various levels of services? |
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Is there a procedure to pay for temporary services such as skilled nursing care and physical therapy? |
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Will a resident's room be held should he/she require a hospital/nursing home stay, and are there charges for the room while vacant? |
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When may a contract be terminated, and what are the policies for refunds and transfers? |
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Is there an appeals process for dissatisfied residents? |
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What happens if funds are depleted and full payments can no longer be made? |
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Are there any government, private, or corporate programs available to help cover costs? |
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Do billing, payment, and credit policies seem fair and reasonable? |
