How To Find And Choose An Assisted Living Facility

If the facility uses contracts, have it reviewed by a laywer specializing in elder law.(You can find an elder law attorney through the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys: www.naela.org )  Look for terms that are important to you. For instance:

• Can residents see their own doctor or are they restricted to doctors from the facility?
• If your health condition gets worse, who makes the determination that it is time to move to a facility that offers more care?
• If you have to pay money up front:
  • Is it refundable? 
  • If not fully refundable, is there at least a prorated refund in case you’re not happy there? If so, what are the terms?
• If the contract is for a minimum term, what if you are not happy in the facility after living there for a while?
• Who is responsible for scheduling and administering medication?
• If the facility is to help you with your medications:
  • Does it permit you to use your own pharmacy or do you have to use theirs? 
  • Who is responsible for administering and coordinating your medications?
• The place in which you will live:
  • Does the contract specify a specific unit you will live in? 
  • Can you bring your own furnishings? 
  • Is the same unit guaranteed on your return after a stay in a hospital?
• Are there limitations on who can come to visit you?
• Meals
  • Are meals included? 
  • If so, which ones?  
  • During what times?
  • What if you cannot make it to the dining room for a meal?
  • Will the facility provide a special diet if you need one?
• What does the contract provide about transportation? For example, to and from doctor appointments or for treatments. 

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