Assisted living facilities offer housing alternatives for older adults who may need help with dressing, bathing, eating, and toileting, but do not require the intensive medical and nursing care provided in nursing homes.

Assisted living facilities may be part of a retirement community, nursing home, senior housing complex, or may stand-alone. Licensing requirements for assisted living facilities vary by state and can be known by as many as 26 different names including: residential care, board and care, congregate care, and personal care.

How do I choose an assisted living facility?

A good match between an assisted living facility and a resident's needs depends as much on the philosophy and services of the facility as it does on the quality of care. The following suggestions can help you get started in your search for a safe, comfortable and appropriate assisted living facility:  

• Think ahead. What will the resident's future needs be and how will the assisted living facility meet those needs?
• Is the facility close to family and friends? Are there any shopping centers or other businesses nearby (within walking distance)?
• Do admission and retention policies exclude people with severe cognitive impairments or severe physical disabilities?
• Does the assisted living facility provide a written statement of the philosophy of care?
• Visit each facility more than once, sometimes unannounced.
• Visit at meal times, sample the food, and observe the quality of mealtime and the service.
• Observe interactions among residents and staff.
• Check to see if the facility offers social, recreational, and spiritual activities?
• Talk to residents.
• Learn what types of training staff receive and how frequently they receive training.
• Review state licensing reports.

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