Independent Living Checklist

Will the location be convenient for family and friends to visit? Is the area of town the community is in safe and free of crime? Are there shopping centers and entertainment opportunities nearby? Is there a nearby hospital?

Does the community seem clean and well maintained? Is there adequate parking including handicapped parking? Is the parking area adequately illuminated? Is the community handicap-accessible (doorways, sidewalks, hallways, and rooms)? Are there features like handrails in the hallways and elevators if the community has more than one floor? Is there a 24hour emergency response system? Ask to see it and be sure it is accessible in the bathroom as well as the main living and bedroom areas of the apartment. Are residents allowed to decorate their apartment as they like including hanging pictures on walls? Are there smoke alarms and sprinklers in the apartment and throughout the community? Does the community allow your loved one to bring their pet and is there a designated area for them outdoors?

If your loved one needs extra help such as home care or therapy on a temporary basis is there someone available to help coordinate those needs? If your loved one needs assistance with some ADLs (like a shower or bath) is there someone available to help? How much would that cost and what agency would provide those services? At what point would your loved one be required to move to a higher level of care like assisted living? Are any housekeeping and laundry services included in the monthly fee? If not, what is available and how much would it cost? Is transportation available to shopping, physician appointments and for other errands? How will the resident be charged for these?

Is there a monthly calendar posted of all of the events the community has going on? Are events and activities planned for evenings and weekends too? Are there intergenerational events planned with local schools, scout troops, and youth organizations? Is fitness a part of the calendar (i.e. Body Recall, yoga)? Is there a designated area for craft groups and clubs? Are there resident groups and organizations? Are there additional fees to participate in daily programs? Are there planned outings to entertainment complexes and events in the community on a weekly basis? Are there outdoors spaces for walking, gardening, shuffleboard, etc?

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?

Introduce yourself to residents you pass on the tour. Ask them how long they’ve lived there and how they like it. Ask current residents what they like and don’t like about the community. Pay attention to the appearance of current residents. Do they seem cared for and wellgroomed? Do residents seem friendly and welcoming?

INDEPENDENT LIVING CHECKLIST

Location

Physical Plant

Personal Care & Assistance

Program Services

Dining Services

Talk With Current Residents

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