Public Health Healthy Conversations Assisted Living Guide Assisted Living Guide How to Talk About Assisted Living Choosing a Care Facility Paying for Care Signs That It's Time for Care What to Look for When Choosing a Care Facility By Marian Anne Eure Marian Anne Eure LinkedIn Marian Eure, RN, is a registered nurse with more than 25 years of experience in adult health care, health promotion, and health education. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 25, 2022 Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Fact checked by Nick Blackmer LinkedIn Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact-checker, and researcher with more than 20 years’ experience in consumer-oriented health and wellness content. Learn about our editorial process Print Many people hope to live in their own homes for as long as possible. Sadly, when that becomes impossible due to health or safety concerns, choosing a good care facility is sure to top the list of what to do next. Morsa Images/Digital Vision/Getty Images To help make this difficult decision easier, familiarize yourself with the qualities of a good care facility. Knowing what to look for will empower you to make an informed choice and help you differentiate between high-quality facilities and places you should avoid altogether. Make sure to consider the following checklist: Respect for Residents Residents are treated with respect, no matter what their physical or mental condition.The staff is friendly, caring, and supportive while providing the required care.The staff calls residents by their first names, not cheeky nicknames.The staff respects the residents’ privacy. For example, they knock on doors before entering and provide clear communication about all procedures. A Variety of Activites There is a plethora of social, physical, creative, and educational activities available that appeal to all residents. Interaction with people outside the facility is encouraged, like community groups that bring pets or perform music. Group activities for outside events is commonly planned. Residents are actually busy with things to do and places to go within the facility. Attractive and Tasty Food Well-balanced, attractively prepared meals are available and served in a pleasant setting that also promotes social interaction.Special meals to accommodate residents’ diet and health problems—as well as their religious and ethical needs—is available.Staff monitors residents’ nutritional intake and promptly notifies family members and/or physicians of poor eating or difficulty eating. Comfortable Surroundings Every effort is made to keep the facility as home-like as possible.Residents can bring furnishings and family pictures from home to decorate their rooms.The addition of a resident-kept garden can help make people feel more at home and encourage them to spend time outdoors. Safety and Cleanliness Hallways and doorways are lit and clear of obstacles that can cause injury.No unpleasant odors, such as urine or feces.Residents are well-groomed.Resident quarters are hygienic and orderly, including the bathroom.The facility has a protocol for infection control. Visitors Welcomed Families, friends, and other potential residents are encouraged to drop in anytime (within reason of course) to see that there is nothing to hide. Amenities Beauty salons and barber shops can provide residents with a higher sense of well-being if they take pride in their physical appearance.Readily available internet access allows people to keep in touch, stay up-to-date on current events, and watch movies.Attractive seating areas, artwork, and interior plantscaping lends to a more pleasant environment. By Marian Anne Eure Marian Eure, RN, is a registered nurse with more than 25 years of experience in adult health care, health promotion, and health education. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit