Planning Ahead: A Consumer's Guide to Assisted Living Facilities

Deciding On An Assisted Living Residence

After you have determined the kind of services you need, obtain a list of assisted living residences in your area.  Your personal physician, clergy, social worker, financial planner, and friends may be familiar with a residence. Other sources of information include the National Center for Assisted Living, www.ncal.org, your state health or welfare departments, your long term care ombudsman, the Area Office on Aging or the Yellow Pages.

By visiting the residences on your initial list, you should be able to narrow the field to two or three meeting the specific services, location, and price range you desire.  Talk with the administrators and tour the residences.  Try to visit each residence more than once.  Arrange to visit the residence during mealtime or arrange to have lunch with residents.  This will give you a better feel for what life will be like in the residence.  Take along this brochure and use the cost calculator and checklist provided.

Moving Into Assisted Living

Move-in day is often filled with mixed emotions.  The family and resident may experience excitement with the decorating and settling-in process but also may experience feelings of anxiety and loss.  Moving is seldom easy and acceptance of the move as well as actually settling into a routine may actually take place over a period of weeks or longer for some people.  Residences sometimes provide a resident handbook explaining policies and procedures, staff contact lists, meal times, and general information about daily living, which may ease the anxiety and pressures associated with the move.