How to Choose an Assisted Living Facility
Choosing an assisted living facility is a big decision. There may be other long term care options that fit your needs, such as nursing homes, memory care, or receiving care in your home. Before deciding, learn the basics so you can choose the safest and most appropriate setting.
Below is a helpful guide to walk you through the process.
1. Check if the Facility Is Licensed
A licensed facility gives you more protections and a clear place to file a complaint if a problem ever arises. Not all assisted living facilities are licensed.
2. Look Up the Facility’s Record
Use every source you can.
Talk with family or friends who have experience with that facility.
Contact your state or local long term care ombudsman to ask about complaints or concerns.
Review survey and inspection reports. Compare the facility with others in your area.
Most states survey licensed facilities every three to five years.
3. Understand the Services Offered
Ask clear questions about what is included in the base rate and what costs extra.
Request and review:
Disclosure forms
Many states now require facilities to provide written disclosure forms that outline services, fees, and care offered. Ask for this form directly from the facility or look it up on your state licensing website.
Contracts
Read the full contract before signing. Look for what services are included, what fees you pay, and under what circumstances the facility can ask you to leave.
Specialized care
If you need care for a specific condition such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, ask what makes the “special care” different.
Financial policies
Ask what happens if your money runs out.
Medicaid
If you plan to use Medicaid, ask if the facility participates in the Medicaid program and get written confirmation that you can stay on Medicaid for the entire length of your stay.
4. Make Sure Your Needs and Routines Are Respected
Tell staff what is important to you, such as taking a nap after lunch or having a structured daily routine.
Ask how the staff will support your preferences.
Find out who decides when you need more services. Ask if the resident or the facility makes that decision.
5. Understand Staffing, Training, and Expertise
Ask about the training and experience of the staff providing your care.
If the facility offers specialized memory care or other focused services, ask what extra training staff receive.
Ask if the facility runs national or state background checks on employees.
Ask about staff-to-resident ratios for each shift. Fewer residents per staff person is better.
Ask how many hours a day a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse is on-site.
Ask if the same staff will help with your personal care on a regular basis.
6. Visit the Facility
Touring in person is one of the most important steps.
Take a formal tour.
Visit unannounced several times, including evenings and weekends.
Talk with residents and any visiting family members.
Eat a meal to check out the food.
Look at how far the facility is from friends and family. Consider how easy it will be for people to visit.
7. Ask About Activities and Community Life
Ask if residents can leave the facility for community events, such as going to a movie or attending a family gathering.
Additional Resources
For more resources, checklists, and educational materials:
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