TLC Senior Relocation
Downsize & Move Managers

 

CHECKLIST  - FINDING A SENIOR HOME
Use one sheet for each location.  As a client, you receive multiple copies of our form.  Plan to visit several
locations.  Take personal tours.  Arrange to be a guest,  have a meal, or stay overmight or for a week-end.
Go back a second time.       Ask Questions!    Ask Questions!
Don't be overwhelmed by this list; not everyting applies.
Name  of Facility:	General Impressions
Address:
City / Zip:
Phone:
Contact Person:

RESIDENTIAL SUITES	NOTES
Sizes and Styles - are a variety available?
Light - Is there sufficient natural light?
Security - What is security for individual units and the buildings?
Furnishings - What furnishings are provided?
Furnishings - Can you bring your own?
Bath - Does each suite have a bath equipped with grab bars?
A raised toilet?
An emergency call bell?
Wheelchair accessible?
Kitchenette?
Cable Hook-Ups?
Phone Hook-Ups?
Internet Service?
Wireless Service?
Smoke Detector and Sprinkler in each room?
Intercom System?
Temperature Control in each suite?  Air Conditioned?
Noise level - Is there insulation between suites?
MEDICAL SERVICES
Professional Nursing Staff -  On duty around the clock?
Staff physician -  Who makes regular visits
and is on call the remainder of the time?
Own Doctor - Can residents continue with their own doctor if they prefer?
Pharmacy Service - Is there one?
X-Ray and Lab work - Onsite capability?
Podiatry Service (foot care) ?
Physiotherapy?
Outreach Dentistry?
Convalescent Care (during acute illness or recovery from surgery) available?
If so, what extent?
At what cost?
Can enhanced service be purchased on a longer-term basis?
OTHER SERVICES
Meals - 3 per day or what is the arrangement?
Diets - Can special diets be accommodated?
Meal Choices - Are there choices of entrees?
Tray Service - Is in-room meal delivery available when needed
Visitors - Can visitors stay for meals (if pre-arranged)?
Sitting Areas - Is there more than one?
Housekeeping Services - Frequency and extent?
Linens - Are linens and towels provided?
Laundry services provided?
Laundry - Facilities for doing one's own laundering (delicates, ironing)?
Storage Space - What size?
Lounge and Kitchenette - On each floor?
Guest Suites - For overnight guests?
Hair Salon?
Banking - On site or nearby?
Mail Service - On site?
Transportation - Is it provided to shopping and appointments?
RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL, RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
Weekly programs, special events and outings? (required in Colorado)
Activity Director - is there a part- or full-time, professional director?
Newsletter - Is there a monthly newsletter or calendar of events?
Participation - Are friends and family welcome to participate?
Socializing Areas - TV lounges, activity rooms, exercise room,
workshop, craft room, hobby kitchen, games room, computer room,
library?
Chapel - Is there a Chapel or a weekly religious service?
Grounds - Nicely landscaped?
Benches?
Patios? Or Shaded Areas?
Garden - For Residents who wish to garden?
Parking - Is there ample parking for residents?
Is there amble parking for visitors?
Walking Distance or Driving Distance
Drug Store?
Variety or Drug Store?
Senior Center?
Park?
Public Transit?
Quiet Areas - Are there areas for quiet relaxation?
Entertaining - Is there a party room or private dining room?
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Reasonable - Are accommodation rates reasonable?  What is included?
Extra Amenities - What amenities are extra?
Financial Documents - What documents are required?
Rate Increases - How often do rates increase?
By what percentage?
Lease - Are residents required to sign a lease or other document?
Trial-Stay Plan?

 

ADMISSION CRITERIA
Are scooters and wheelchairs accepted?
Oxygen Therapy - Are there any forms of accommodation?
Medical Assessment - Is it required?
Health Decline Significantly - What happens if this occurs?
Turn-Over Rate - Ask to see statistics.
PREMISES
When built?
Condition - Does it appear to be in good condition?
Appearance - Clean?  Bright?  Spacious?
Furnishing and décor - Attractive and in good condition?
General Impression of Area Location?   Is it in a noisy neighborhood?
Odor - Does the odor of disinfectant overwhelm a visitor?  What odor?
Floors - How many?
Capacity - What is the resident capacity?
ACCREDITATION
Are state licenses and industry memberships displayed and current?
RULES AND REGULATIONS
What ARE the rules and regulations?  Ask for a copy.
YOUR QUESTIONS
YOUR ASSIGNMENT
Ask to see the kitchen and laundry rooms
Talk, talk, talk to SEVERAL current residents
How long a resident?
Likes and dislikes?
Stay long enough to "get a feel" for the home or stay overnight or
consider a week-end stay for you and a family member.
Immediately following a visit, make DETAILED notes.
Keep the notes in a folder with any brochures, advertisements, etc.
Take advantage of websites for more questions
(or ask TLC to help if you do not have computer access)
Data on nursing home quality is available: www.medicare.gov
What were your favorite observations about the facility?
What were your least favorite observations about the facility?
Our form, although extensive, cannot possibly cover
all eventualities in the vast array of housing choices.