So you’ve found a few great assisted living facilities, and you’re ready for the next step—the personal visit.

Here’s a checklist of some of the things you might want to look for. Some are more important than others, so you can set your own priorities. Print this list and take it with you if you want.

Location

• The facility is in or near the neighborhood you want to live in.
• It’s near friends and family.
• The traffic noise is acceptable.
• Ample parking is available for visitors.
• If desired: Shopping, groceries, entertainment, public transportation, etc., are within walking distance.

Common Areas

• Common areas are warm, homelike and clean.
• They’re easy to get around in, with handrails, wide hallways and doorways, and good lighting.
• Exits are clearly marked.
• There’s a sprinkler system.
• People are sitting and chatting with neighbors in inviting rooms.
• A garden or some sort of nature is available to enjoy.
• Other residents look happy.

Food

• You’ve tasted the food and like it.
• The number of meals and snacks included per week in your plan is acceptable, and you understand what happens if you miss a meal. (Do you get a credit? Do you have to tell them in advance?)
• You have options for when and what you eat.
• You understand the requirements to bring a guest to a community meal. (How far in advance must you tell the staff? How much does it cost?)

Personal Living Quarters

• The room is clean, well lit and safe—easy to navigate and with sprinklers.
• Air conditioning and heating is available.
• Everything is easy to access, with plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair.
• You have a kitchenette or can bring a small refrigerator and microwave.
• Your room has an emergency button you can press, and you’ll be given a pendant to wear.
• You like the furnishings and/or are allowed to bring some of your own.
• You don’t hear noise from the neighbors.
• There are grab bars near the toilet and shower.
• The shower entrance is barrier free.

Aides and Staff

• The aides and staff are friendly and speak to you as you pass by.
• They’re interacting warmly with residents and each other.
• The staff answers your questions readily and openly.
• Aides have received appropriate training—including in dementia care, if applicable.
• An adequate number of aides are available overnight as well as during the day.

Level of Care

• The facility offers the level of care you need, 24 hours a day.
• You’ve discussed how often and where residents receive routine medical and dental care.
• You’ve discussed how residents get their medications, physical therapy and other medical needs.
• Residents get a written care plan that they and the family help develop.
• Residents’ health is checked regularly, and, if needed, the care plan is revised, with input from them and the family.
• You’ve received a written list of what care is and is not included, and what will cost extra.
• You’ve discussed what happens if you need further care, including medical care, along with how much assistance you can require before having to move out.

Amenities and Activities

• The facility has amenities you want, such as a swimming pool, hair salon or Internet access.
• You can schedule personal transportation if needed, and you understand how far in advance reservations are required and whether it will cost extra.
• The facility offers regular activities, such as parties, classes and clubs, that you think you’d enjoy.
• Fitness and wellness activities are available.
• There are regular off-campus excursions, and you know whether they cost extra.

Other

• You’re allowed to come and go as you please, and you understand requirements to do so, such as signing out.
• If desired: You can have a car.
• Pets are or are not allowed (depending on your preference).
• You’ve received a contract that includes things like cost, discharge policies and refund policies.
• You know what happens if rates increase.
• You like the nursing home the facility is affiliated with (if applicable).
• You’ve talked with residents alone, and they like the facility.