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Senior Community Evaluation Checklist
LOCATION
Note:
– How far the Community is from family and supportive friends ____________
– Consider the distance to hospital & medical offices _____________________
Observe:
– Is the location in a comfortable area? y / n
– Are there level areas for walking? y / n
– Is public transportation nearby? y / n
– Are shopping, banking and restaurants nearby? y / n
COMMUNITY EXTERIOR
Observe:
– Is the appearance fresh and inviting? y / n
– Are all areas within the Community grounds easily accessible? y / n
– Are there outside areas for sitting, walking & Community activities? y / n
– Are community gardens available to the residents? y / n
INSIDE THE COMMUNITY; STAFFING & SERVICES
Ask:
– “Why do residents choose this Community over others?” ________________
____________________________________________________________
Observe:
– How the staff interacts with residents of the Community?
___ the staff proactively engage with residents when they see a need
___ the staff helps residents when asked
___ the staff is available but preoccupied
– Does the interior have an inviting appearance? y / n
– Are there adequate social & recreational areas? y / n
– Is there a fitness facility and are fitness programs offered? y / n
– Is the Community logically laid out and easy-to-navigate? y / n
– Are residents engaged in the Community’s activities? y / n
Ask:
– “What are the staff qualifications and are they credentialed?” _____________________
– “What is the average length of employment of the line staff?” ______________________
– “What is staff availability throughout the day & night, weekends & holidays?” __________
_____________________________________________________________________
Ask a Resident:
-“How do you like living here?” _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
DINING
Ask:
– “What are the scheduled meal times and is there some flexibility?” _________________
____________________________________________________________________
– “Is seating open or assigned?” ___ Assigned / ___ Open
– “Are guests and family welcome to join residents for meals?” y / n Fee? _________
– “Can meals be delivered to the apartment?” y / n Fee? __________
– “Is there a private dining room or area for family events?” y / n
– “Are there provisions for special dietary needs?” y / n
– “Are between-meals snacks available?” y / n
Ask a Resident:
– “How do you like the food?” ______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
ACTIVITIES & SOCIAL EVENTS
Ask:
– Ask to see and discuss the current Activities Calendar
– “What type social events are provided and what is their frequency?” ________________
____________________________________________________________________
– “What opportunities are offered for personal expression through art, poetry and story-
telling?” ______________________________________________________________
– “Are there scheduled excursions to local-area places-of-interest & local events?” ______
____________________________________________________________________
– “Does the Community offer educational opportunities?” _________________________
______________________________________________________________________
– “Are there opportunities to engage with neighborhood and volunteer organizations?” __
______________________________________________________________________
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Discuss:
-Talk about the senior’s specific physical and perceptual challenges and the Community’s
in-place staff and systems to address those needs
Ask:
– Ask if the Community offers:
o Regular follow-on evaluations and reviews with family-members? y / n __________
_________________________________________________________________
o Support services for the emotional well-being of residents? y / n _______________
_________________________________________________________________
o Posit-science & other mental acuity programs? y / n ________________________
_________________________________________________________________
o Access to routine physical exams, dental exams & pharmacy services? y / n
_________________________________________________________________
o Skilled nursing and physical therapy services? y / n ________________________
_________________________________________________________________
-” Can a resident contract for services from an outside agency?” y / n _______________
– “What procedures are in place for medical emergencies?” ________________________
____________________________________________________________________
– “What options are available for transition to a higher level of care?” ________________
____________________________________________________________________
APARTMENTS
Ask:
– Ask about the availability of the apartment types you are interested in? _____________
____________________________________________________________________
o “What floor-plan choices are offered?” ____________________________________
o “Do apartments have a Snack-bar or kitchenette?” ___________________________
o “Is there an emergency communication system?” ___________________________
o “Can a resident bring their own furniture?” y / n
o “To what extent can the resident personalize or modify the apartment?” __________
_________________________________________________________________
o “Are housekeeping, linen and personal laundry services provided?” y / n
o “Are utilities included?” y / n __________________________________________
FEES
Discuss:
– Talk about the Community’s financial requirements:
o “What level of income and other financial resources are required?” ______________
_________________________________________________________________
o “Is there an application fee and is it refundable?” y / n _______________________
o “What are the total monthly fees?” _______________________________________
o “What yearly increase in fees should you anticipate?” ________________________
Ask:
– Ask for a written schedule of all anticipated fees
Note:
– If the transaction involves a purchase, have your accountant review the terms of the
purchase agreement as well as inheritance and tax consequences
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Ask:
– “Is the Community licensed or accredited?” ____________________________________
Consider:
– Do you feel that the rules and regulations stipulated in the residency agreement reasonable
and easily complied with? y / n _____________________________________________
– If applicable, what options are available should the resident no-longer be able to afford
the Community’s fees? ____________________________________________________
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