Assisted Living FAQ

Questions to ask
at  Independent/Assisted Living
Facilities and Nursing Homes

1. What are
   total fees, including entrance fees, monthly fees, processing fees and others?
2. Is the entrance fee refundable?
3. What are the terms of refund if you decide to
   leave the community?
4. What services are included in the baseline fees?
5. What services cost extra?
6. Are credits given for meals or other services
   when you are absent from the community?
7. Does the facility’s care center participate in
   Medicare and Medicaid?
8. What types of insurance—including health,
   long-term care, renter’s insurance, etc…does the facility require residents to
   carry?
9. Under what conditions can the community
   terminate the resident’s agreement?
10. What are the grounds for eviction?  Is there a right to appeal?  What are the president’s legal rights?
11. Can residents participate in facility management
    and decision making?
12. Do they have activity and meal planning  rules? Is there a resident council?  How are complaints and disputes handled?
13. What is the financial condition of the facility?
14. How often is the community inspected by an
    outside agency?  What were the results of
    the last inspection?
15. Who owns the community/facility?
16. What are the owner’s financial responsibilities
    to the residents?
17. Who are the directors and managers of the
    community?
18. Are employees available for assistance 24-hours
    per day?  Is personal care available
    during evening hours in case of emergency?
19. What is the physical condition of the facility?  Is it clean and well maintained?
20. Transportation:
    To where?  Is there a limit on the
    number of trips?  What is the average
    amount of time  a resident spends in the
    van when going to appointments?  Is there
    assistance for entrance and exit of a doctor’s appointment?
21. Safety:
    What kind of security is in place?
    Is there a fire emergency plan?
22. Emergency call system:  Is it avai8lable?  Who pays?
23. Are there regularly planned social,
    recreational, educational and cultural activities?
24. Is ample parking available for residents and
    guests?
25. Ask to talk to residents of the community.  Try out some of the activities and view the
    options available.
26. Before signing a contract, have your lawyer
    review it and make sure this person has expertise in contract law.

By James C. Sandefer, Published
in Prime Time Magazine, July 2011.