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Part C




Colorado Gerontological Society and Senior Answers and Services

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Senior Housing Options: Questions to ask when touring
the facility of choice

Because more than one type of facility may provide the services desired, careful  investigation and a personal visit should be conducted. A review of the following checklist adapted from the Colorado Gerontological Society's "A Guide For Visiting", will assist you in preparing to make this important decision.

Reminder: When you first arrive, ask to see a copy of the last state survey for Nursing Homes and Personal Care Boarding Homes and request that the results be explained to you. (Independent Living Facilities and Retirement Communities are not licensed.)

First Impressions
What is your initial impression of the facility as you enter?
Your observation:

 

Is it well lighted and attractive in appearance?
Your observation:

 

Doe the facility feel "under control" or "disorganized"?
Your observation:

 

Is the facility noisy?  Is there background music?
Your observation:

 

Food and Services - ask to eat a meal and observe:
What type of dishes and tableware are used? Is the table set attractively? How is the service? Is temperature of the food appropriately hot or cold?
Your observation:

 

Are the portions adequate? If not family style, may you have second helpings or decline a portion of the menu?
Your observation:

 

Are there provisions for special diets, and will staff consider special requests or additions to the menu?
Your observation:

 

Is the atmosphere pleasant and conducive to conversation?
Your observation:

 

Where are those who need assistance with eating served?
Your observation:

 

Dignity and Decor
What kind of schedules for meals, curfews and scheduled services are in place - and enforced?
Your observation:

 

May friends and family visit at will? Are there visiting hours?
Your observation:

 

What is the temperature of the common areas? Will you have individual temperature controls in our living space?
Your observation:

 

May you decorate your personal space as you wish?
Your observation:

 

Are bathrooms wheelchair accessible, and are grab bars installed. Are the bathrooms clean and odor free?
Your observation:

 

What kind of activities are offered and how are residents encouraged to participate?
Your observation:

 

Do residents greet staff in passing and do you see impromptu conversations between them?
Your observation:

 

If considering a semi private room, how is the space shared by the two individuals? Is there an adequate sound barrier between private living spaces?
Your observation:

 

Interpersonal Relations
During your visit was the administrator visible and involved in the organizaton?
Your observation:

 

Did the staff communicate with each other in a courteous and professional manner and seem happy to be working at the facility?
Your observation:

 

How did the staff address the residents? Did they engage in coversation while performing tasks?
Your observation:

 

Were staff members neatly dressed and easily identified? Did they seem approachable?
Your observation:

 

Did you sense individuality was encouraged?
Your observation:

 

Other Considerations
What provisions are there for special needs? Does the facility provide for physician visits? May you use your own physician?
Your observation:

 

Does the facility host community activities? Is there a chapel and/or do they have scheduled religious services?
Your observation:

 

If a nursing home or PCBH, is the name of the local Ombudsman posted?
Your observation:

 

How are telephone services provided?
Your observation:

 


Cost, type of facility, specialty care and living arrangements are always of major importance when choosing a new living arrangement.  The current edition of the Senior Resource Guidebook  lists nursing homes, personal care boarding homes (assisted living units), retirement centers, and independent living centers located in metropolitan Denver. For your personal copy send $5 to Senior Answers and Services, 3006 East Colfax, Denver 80206 or call 303-333-3482.


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Eileen Doherty, Executive Director
Senior Answers and Services
Colorado Gerontological Society
3006 East Colfax Avenue Denver, CO 80206
303-333-3482 ** 303-333-9112 (fax)
E-mail:
cogs@senioranswers.org
www.senioranswers.org