Physical Features

• Is the community well-designed for resident's needs?
• Is the floor plan easy to follow?
• Are doorways, hallways and rooms accommodating to wheelchairs and walkers?
• Are elevators available for those unable to use stairways?
• Are hand rails available to aid in walking?
• Are cupboards and shelves easy to reach?
• Are floors of a non-skid material and carpets firm to ease walking?
• Does the residence have good natural and artificial lighting?
• Is the residence clean, free of odors and appropriately heated/cooled?
• Does the residence meet local and/or state licensing requirements?
• Does the residence have sprinklers and clearly marked exits?
• Does the residence have a means of security if a resident wanders?

Needs Assessments, Contracts, Costs & Finances

• Is a contractual agreement available that discloses healthcare and supportive services, all fees, as well as admission and discharge provisions?
• Is there a written plan for the care of each resident?
• Does the residence have a process for assessing a potential resident's need for services and are those needs addressed periodically?
• Does this process include the resident, their family and facility staff along with the potential resident's physician.
• When may a contract be terminated and what are refund policies?
• Are there any government, private or corporate programs available to help cover the cost of services to the resident?
• Is a contractual agreement available to include accommodations, personal care, health care and supportive services?
• Are additional services available if the resident's needs change?
• Is there a procedure to pay for additional services like nursing care when the services are needed on a temporary basis?
• Are there different costs for various levels or categories of services?
• Do billing, payment and credit policies seem fair and reasonable?
• May a resident handle their own finances with staff assistance if able or should a family member or outside party be designated to do so?
• Are residents required to purchase renters' insurance for personal property in their units?
• Is staff available to meet scheduled and unscheduled needs?
• When may a contract be terminated? What are the policies for refunds and transfers?
• Is there an appeals process for dissatisfied residents?

Medication & Health Care

• Does the residence have specific policies regarding storage of medication, assistance with medications, training and supervision of staff and record keeping?
• Is self-administration of medication allowed?
• Is there a staff person to coordinate home care visits from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc. if needed?
• Are staff available to assist residents who experience memory, orientation, of judgment losses?
• Does a physician or nurse visit the resident regularly to provide medical checkups?
• Does the residence have a clearly stated procedure for responding to a resident's medical emergency?
• To what extent are medical services available, and how are these services provided?

Services

• Can the residence provide a list of services available?
• Is staff available to provide 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) if needed? ADLs include:  Dressing; Eating; Mobility; Hygiene and grooming; Bathing, toileting and incontinence; Using the telephone; Shopping; and Laundry
• Does the residence provide housekeeping services in residents' units?
• Does the residence provide transportation to doctors' offices, the hairdresser, shopping and other activities desired by residents?
• Can residents arrange for transportation on fairly short notice?
• Are pharmacy, barber/beautician and/or physical therapy services offered on-site?

Individual Unit Features

• Do dining room menus vary from day to day and meal to meal?
• Are different sized and types of units available?
• Are units for single and double occupancy available?
• Do residents have their own lockable doors?
• Is a 24-hour emergency response system accessible from the unit?
• Are bathrooms private with handicapped accommodations to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers?
• Are residents able to bring their own furnishings for their unit and what may they bring? What is provided?
• Do all units have a telephone and cable TV and how is billing handled?
• Is a kitchen area/unit provided with a refrigerator, sink and cooking element?
• May residents keep food in their units?
• May residents smoke in their units? In public spaces?
• May residents decorate their own units?

Social & Recreational Activities

• Is there evidence of an organized activities program, such as a posted daily schedule, events in progress, reading materials, visitors, etc.?
• Do residents participate in activities outside of the residence in the neighboring community?
• Do volunteers, including family members, come into the residence to help with or conduct programs?
• Does the residence create a sense of community by requiring residents to participate in certain activities or perform simple chores for the group as a whole?
• Are residents' pets allowed in the residence? Who is responsible for their care?
• Does the residence have its own pets?

Food Service

• Does the residence provide three nutritionally balanced meals a day, seven days a week?
• Are snacks available?
• May a resident request special foods?
• Are common dining areas available?
• May residents eat meals in their units?
• May meals be provided at a time a resident would like or are there set times for meals?