What are the features of the community? Is the community licensed and accredited? GUIDE TO SELECTING Amenities, services, and policies vary among CARF International accredits assisted living assisted living communities. Questions you ­communities. The accreditation process requires AN ASSISTED LIVING can ask: the community to follow a rigorous set of COMMUNITY • What amenities are included in the monthly standards based on industry trends and to undergo fee and which cost an additional fee? an on-site survey to determine its conformance to those ­standards. Accreditation demonstrates • What dining services are available? Can public ­transparency and accountability, often special diets be accommodated? ­going ­beyond basic licensure requirements. CARF • What entertainment, social, and exercise accreditation offers you assurance that an assisted ­activities are provided for residents? ­living community has implemented processes • Is transportation provided to nearby for regular planning, management, and review of attractions, shops, or restaurants? its performance and is committed to providing • Is transportation provided to medical high-quality care and services that are focused on ­appointments? the needs and preferences of residents and their • Are all inside and outside spaces wheelchair- families. Questions you can ask: accessible? • Is the community’s license in good standing? • Is the community accredited? By whom? • Is the accreditation status in good standing? Additional resources Several associations provide tools for finding ­retirement living: • AARP, www.aarp.org • LeadingAge, www.leadingage.org • Other resources are available at www.carf.org/Resources/ConsumerResources/

• Are there accommodations for couples? When considering a move into an assisted • Are bedrooms and bathrooms private? living community, potential residents and • What is the community’s privacy policy? their loved ones must weigh many factors. • What safety and security measures are in This guide provides some questions you can place to keep individuals and possessions ask the community before making a decision. safe? • What is the policy for pets? • What are visiting hours and procedures www.carf.org | 888-281-6531 for guests?

AS-C-TF-06222021 Is the community freestanding or part of Not all assisted living communities provide all • Is all or part of the initiation/entrance fee a continuum of services? levels of care, so it is important to learn what ­refundable? If so, under what terms? Assisted living communities can operate under ­services are available. Questions you can ask: • What types of financial assistance are two different models: • What services are included in the different ­available? Freestanding: Operates on one campus without levels of care? • What help can the community provide with any other affiliated organizations. • How is the level of care determined initially securing financial assistance? Part of a continuum of services: Includes other and on an ongoing basis? How are transitions • What happens if a resident encounters a healthcare or housing settings, such as a nursing to different levels of care determined? ­financial difficulty? facility or independent living, on the same or • How often do monthly fees increase? What is the nearby campus. average increase based on the last three years? How does the community assess quality? • How do you address memory care or Assisted living communities may have unique continuum within your community? ­philosophies on maintaining quality of life for their • Will the monthly fee increase as the level of ­residents. Asking how they assess quality can help care increases? you find the right match. Questions you can ask: • Which levels of care can be offered in the • What is the philosophy of care? same apartment, and which ones would • What are the staffing levels? What are staff require a move to a different part of the members’qualifications? community or a different facility? • How is input from residents collected? • What additional services are available and what is their cost? • Is hospice care available? • If couples are at different levels of care, how is that situation handled by the community? • What happens if a resident experiences a How stable is the community? ­medical emergency? Knowing the history and financial performance What are the financial qualifications of an ­assisted living community can help provide for admission? piece of mind for residents and their loved ones. An accountant or financial advisor can help you Financial options can be different at various What levels of care are available and what assess an assisted ­living community’s financial assisted living communities. Asking about do they cost? stability. Questions you can ask: initiation/admission fees, financial assistance Many assisted living communities offer three or programs (such as grants, Medicaid, Veterans • How long has the assisted living ­community four ­levels of care. Levels of care are determined Administration benefits, or assistance from the been in operation? by the types of services a resident needs, and community itself), and insurance coverage can help • Is the community part of a larger entity or monthly fees might be tied to the level of care. with your selection process. If you or a loved one ­independently owned? Types of care include: assistance with eating, has long-term care insurance, ask your insurance • Does the community regularly disclose dressing, bathing, grooming, ­mobility, ­medication provider about their coverage in assisted living ­financial information to interested persons? management, and continence care. Some communities. Other questions you can ask: communities also provide specialized care for • How is the community’s most recent audited • Is there a service initiation/entrance fee in ­individuals with dementia. ­financial statement, or annual report if it ­addition to monthly fees? ­contains financials, available for review?