Entrusting the care of your loved ones to an assisted living facility, for what might be their last remaining years, is a big decision not to be taken lightly. How do you make the right decision? This presentation is intended to help you make that decision. It outlines the approach you should take, the questions you should ask and what to look for when searching for the right assisted living facility. It's presented by Roann Sexson RN MBA, an authority in the assisted living industry. She owns and operates "A Love For Life" a residential assisted living facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

1. HOW TO
SELECT THE RIGHT
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
for
Your Loved Ones

2. Entrusting the care of your
loved ones to somebody
else, for what might be their
last remaining years, is a big
decision not to be taken
lightly.

3. GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME

4. Elderly individuals have difficulty adjusting to change,
especially those suffering from any level of dementia.
Get it right the first time and your loved one will not suffer
unnecesary additional stress by having to move to
another facility.

5. DON'T WAIT FOR A CRISIS -
PLAN AHEAD

6. Don't put yourself in the position of having to find
placement urgently and end up settling for second best.
Plan ahead and give yourself the time to explore all
possible options.

7. WHAT TO LOOK FOR

8. Is the facility licensed?

9. Licensed facilities are held to a much
higher standard by frequent
inspections from regulatory agencies.
Regulatory authorities require licenses
to be prominently displayed in the
facility - look for them.
Unlicensed facilities can get shut
down immediately, forcing you to
relocate your loved one at very short
notice.

10. Is the facility spotlessly maintained?

11. Is the facility clean throughout and
free of foul odors?
Are the outdoor areas clean and clear
of debris?
Are the common areas free of
clutter? Clutter can lead to fall risks.

12. Review the staff

13. Are the staff professional, friendly
and happy?
Interview the operator. They call the
shots. Judge accordingly.
Do they interact positively with the
residents?
National avg. staff turnover is 27%. Ask
the facility what their turnover is.

14. What medical care is offered?

15. Does the facility have in-house
physicians and/or nurses?
What are the facility's hospitalization
and re-hospitalization rates?
How does the facility manage a
medical emergency?

16. How is medication assistance
handled?

17. Licensed facilities are required to
inventory and control access to all
medications.
Does the facility manage orders and
refills or is that your responsibility?
Licensed facilities are required to
record every medication administered.
Ask to inspect the medication
administration system in use.

18. Is it an aging in place facility?

19. Does the facility provide end of life
care? If not your loved one will have to
be moved again.
Does the facility work with hospice
professionals?
Are the staff well trained in end of life
care?

20. How is the safety and security of the
residents managed?

21. Are there security cameras in and
around the facility? If so how are they
monitored?
Is there a sprinkler system installed?
What security systems are in place for
entry/exit doors?
Are there fire & smoke detectors
throughout the facility?

22. How good is the food?

23. Food is a significant cause for
satisfaction or dissatisfaction among
residents. Ask the residents.
Regulations require that all menus are
posted. Can you see them?
Does the facility use fresh produce or
canned food?
Is the kitchen clean and well
maintained?

24. What activities are offered?

25. Boredom is very common due to age
and other physical or cognitive
limitations.
Activity events should be posted in all
facilities.
Regular activities are required, to
provide physical movement and
mental and social stimulation.

26. Check pricing carefully.

27. Is the price "all-inclusive" or a base
price with "add-ons"? What are the
costs for the "add-ons"
Find out when you can expect price
increases.
What services are included for the
quoted price?
Make sure to evaluate "apples to
apples" when making price
comparisons.

28. Talk to the residents!

29. Ask them "How do you like it here?"
Be aware that some may suffer from
mental or cognitive disorders.
Don’t hesitate to ask the facility
representative for references from
residents’ family members.
Residents in general will give a
forthright and honest opinion of the
facility.

30. 7534 Bear Canyon NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Tel: (505) 350 2563
Fax: (505) 797 7045
www.aloveforlifellc.com