Choosing an Assisted Living Facility
By Rick Mills, Administrator, Buckley Landing

Finding the right assisted living facility can be complicated and overwhelming. Often made during a crisis, this crucial choice greatly affects a loved one’s life.

Although assisted living facilities initially may appear similar to one another, distinctions become clearer when licensing, staffing, ownership, programs and financial requirements are analyzed.

Only facilities licensed by the New York State Department of Health can call themselves “enriched” or “assisted living” facilities. Facilities describing themselves as “assistive” or “enhanced” generally are unlicensed or unregulated.

Over the past six years as Buckley Landing’s administrator, I’ve met with many families frantic in their search for the right place for their loved one but unsure what questions to ask and what observations to make. On the right are some suggestions for you to use when visiting assisted living facilities including the Loretto sites listed below.

Assisted Living Facilities: What to Ask & Look For

• Is the facility licensed by New York state?
  
• Is the facility staffed 24 hours a day by certified home health aides?
  
• How many registered and licensed nurses work full time on the premises and what are their normal hours?
  
• What is the staffing ratio?
  
• Is a registered nurse on call 24 hours a day?
  
• How long has the current administration been in place?
  
• What are the visiting hours? (The right answer is 24 hours a day, seven days a week.)
  
• Is the owner/operator an established member of the community or a national corporation with no ties to the community?
  
• What happens if my money runs out?
  
• Does the facility provide medication management, hot meals, activities, a social worker, housekeeping and laundry services?

When visiting a facility, be sure to make these observations:

• Are residents engaged or isolated?
  
• Is the staff polite? (Do you see any?)
  
• Do residents appear happy and well groomed?
  
• Is the dining area clean, pleasant, and conducive to socializing?
  
• Are the grounds and building well maintained?
  
• Is the interior well lit?
  
• Are the apartments or rooms well maintained and handicap accessible?