Assisted Living Checklist for Families

Making decisions about a loved one's future living situation can feel overwhelming, especially when assisted living becomes a consideration.

Families often face challenges understanding the options, handling complex paperwork, and navigating emotional transitions.

This guide provides a clear checklist to help you through each step of the process. Proactive planning can simplify choices, ensure dignity for your loved one, and provide peace of mind for your family.

---

Getting Financial and Legal Documents in Order

Before you begin looking at facilities, gather essential financial and legal documents.

“Being prepared and having important documents in a single place can give you peace of mind, help ensure your wishes are honored, and ease the burden on your loved ones.” ¹

🗂️ What to Organize:

• Durable power of attorney for finances
• Healthcare power of attorney or proxy
• Living will and/or finalized will
• Asset documents and insurance policies

“A durable power of attorney gives a designated person authority to handle financial matters... A living will spells out health care wishes...” ²

🏥 Insurance to Review:

• Long-term care insurance
• Medicare (limited long-term coverage)
• Medicaid (for those who qualify)
• VA benefits

Store documents in a secure, accessible location.

➤ See Financial Planning for Elder Care

---

Evaluating Your Loved One’s Needs and Your Own

Take an honest look at care needs — now and in the future.

🧑‍⚕️ Consider Support Needs:

• Personal care (bathing, dressing)
• Medication reminders or management
• Help with mobility or transfers
• Cognitive or memory-related support

Professional assessments or online caregiver tools can help.

“Caregiver stress is common and can cause emotional and physical health issues...” ³

Know your own limits. Explore respite care options for support.

➤ See Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

---

How to Find and Evaluate Assisted Living Facilities

🔍 Researching and Touring Facilities

Start your search using trusted directories:

• Area Agencies on Aging
• Eldercare Locator
• LeadingAge or Argentum directories

When visiting:
Tour at different times to observe:

• Meal service
• Resident activities
• Staff-resident interactions

➤ Read How to Find Senior Living

---

📝 Questions to Ask on Tours

Bring a checklist and ask:

• What unit types are available?
• Are bathrooms private? Kitchenettes included?
• Is memory care or extra support offered?
• How are care plans developed?
• What are base vs. extra fees?
• What are the admission and refund policies?
• Are pets or personal furniture allowed?

“Most assisted living facilities provide meals, housekeeping, medication help... and care for Alzheimer’s patients.” ⁴

➤ See Understanding Assisted Living Contracts
➤ See Questions to Ask on Tours

---

👀 What to Observe During Visits

Look for:

• Cleanliness and condition of the building
• Odors or signs of neglect
• Safety features (handrails, call buttons, exits)
• Staff demeanor and communication style
• Resident engagement in activities

Ask about:

• Staff qualifications
• Employee turnover

Check if common areas are inviting and used regularly.

---

Ensuring Safety: Whether at Home or in a Facility

Even in a facility, safety matters.

🛠️ Common Safety Upgrades:

• Install grab bars in bathrooms
• Use non-slip flooring
• Improve poor lighting

“Falls are the leading cause of injuries for those 65+… Older adults who fall are over 4x more likely to enter a nursing facility.” ⁵

➤ Resources:

• Home Safety Checklist
• Bathroom Upgrades
• Install Grab Bars
• Grab Bars and Ramps
• Lighting for Safety

---

What Assisted Living Costs — and How to Pay

“The median monthly rent for assisted living units is $4,300, with most people paying some or all of the cost out of pocket.” ⁶

💰 Cost Comparison Table:

Type of Care	Average Monthly Cost
Assisted Living	$4,300
Memory Care	Higher (varies)
Nursing Home (semi-private)	$7,756
Nursing Home (private)	$8,821

💡 Ways to Pay:

• Personal savings or retirement income
• Long-term care insurance
• Medicaid or VA assistance
• Life insurance cash-out or annuities

➤ Learn more:

• Assisted Living Costs
• Medicaid and Long-Term Care
• Long-Term Care Insurance

---

Helping Your Loved One Transition Smoothly

Moving is emotional. Ease the process with support.

📦 Transition Tips:

• Visit multiple times before the move
• Furnish the room to feel like home
• Maintain social connections
• Prepare a binder with health and contact info
• Coordinate care with doctors and staff

Legal support can also help with this step.

➤ Use the Assisted Living Move Checklist

---

Resources to Support You and Your Family

Support is available at every stage.

🧰 Helpful Tools:

• Printable worksheets and checklists
• Legal and financial advisors
• Caregiving forums and local support groups

Don’t try to do it all on your own.

---

Final Thoughts on Planning for Assisted Living

Choosing assisted living is a major decision—but with a clear checklist, it becomes more manageable.

This guide helps you:

• Prepare early
• Gather critical paperwork
• Assess care needs
• Make informed choices

Open communication and proactive planning ensure that your loved one receives dignified care — and your family gains lasting peace of mind.

---

---

Explore Related Topics:

• Assisted Living vs Nursing Homes
• What Assisted Living Includes