Continuing Care Retirement Community Checklist

Is the location of the community convenient to shopping, entertainment and other activities? Is the area of town the community is in safe and free of crime? Is medical care easily accessible? Is the location convenient for family and friends to visit?

Is the exterior of the community well maintained? Is there adequate parking including handicapped spaces? Is the parking well lighted? Is it a long walk from parking to your family member’s potential living area (if they still drive)? Is the community layout easy to find your way around? Is the community handicapped accessible? Are there elevators if the community has multiple floors? Is there an outdoor area available for residents and families? Is the community clean and odor free? Does the interior look well maintained? Are resident rooms furnished or unfurnished? Are they allowed to decorate as they like? Are there different styles of units available based on the level of care? Are bathrooms equipped with grab bars and emergency response systems? Are there walk in showers in the bathrooms? Does each apartment have phone service available and what is the charge? Do all units have appliances?

Does the community offer all levels of care from independent living through longterm care? Do they also offer shortterm skilled nursing and rehab services if your family member requires them after an illness or surgery? How are additional services billed? Who makes the decision when a resident has to move from one level of care to the next? How is that information conveyed to families and how much notice is given? What are some examples of situations that would require a resident to move to a higher level of care? Can the community provide a list of additional services available and the costs associated with each? Is the level of care pricing and what is included clearly stated? Are housekeeping, laundry and maintenance included with every level of care? How is each level of care staffed? Is an RN available 24/7? If not, who is on call for emergencies? At what levels of care are residents able to have assistance with medications? Is transportation available? Ask about the staff credentials for the level of care your family member needs and the next step up in the care continuum. What is the turnover rate for caregivers? For nurses? Do all staff members complete background checks upon hiring?

Are program services available that meet individual needs at every level of care? Ask to see where the resident activity calendar is posted. Are there activities to meet your loved ones capabilities and interests? Are religious services offered at the community? Are there opportunities for residents to go out in to the community to restaurants, movies and more? Are activities planned for evenings and weekends? –Does the community have a volunteer program and how many volunteers do they have? How many people are there on the program services staff ? What are their credentials and training? Does the community offer educational, cultural, and recreational programming?

Are there different dining rooms based on level of care? Does the dining room and kitchen look and smell clean? Are tables and chairs clean and in good repair? How many meals are included in the monthly fee and what are the costs for additional meals? Are residents allowed to bring guests to meals? How much notice is needed and what is the cost? Can the community accommodate special dietary needs? Is a dietician involved in menu planning? Can residents place special requests for meals? Is there a resident committee involved in menu planning? Are meals available only during set hours? Are beverages and snacks available during other times? Try to observe a meal and pay attention to the residents. Are they content and is the atmosphere social and relaxing?

What kind of contract is required for moving in to the CCRC? Is there an entrance fee and how is it determined? If your loved one decides to move out within a few months of moving in, what happens to the entrance fee and are there any penalties? How much is the monthly fee for the level of care your loved one needs? And for the next highest level of care? What is included with the monthly fee? What additional charges are there? Are there yearly rent increases? How much do they typically average? Are there minimum income requirements to be allowed to move to the community? What happens if your family member runs out of money? Are they required to leave? If you are moving two family members in to a CCRC, ask what happens if one needs to move to a higher level of care and one doesn’t. Is there a discount on the second rent? Are there extra charges for transportation to doctor’s appointments? Local shopping trips? Ask for a copy of pricing for incidental services like the beauty shop, guest meals and parking garage fees.

Pay attention to resident and staff interaction. Is it friendly and warm? Does staff greet each resident by name? Do residents seem content? Ask residents you pass on the tour how long they have lived there? What do they like about the community? What do they dislike? Do residents seem alert and engaged? Do you see groups of residents playing cards or participating in other activities? Observe a meal. Does it seem like a positive social experience for residents? Introduce yourself to family members you pass and ask for their opinion of the community. Are they satisfied? What would they change if they could?

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY CHECKLIST

Location

Physical Plant

Personal Assistance & Medical Care

Program Services

Dining Services

Understanding the Pricing Structure

Talk With Current Residents and Families

FIND A SENIOR CARE COMMUNITY