How to Choose a Board & Care Home

Things to look for when evaluating residential care homes

Geographical desirability – Is the care home close enough to be convenient for visits from friends and family?  Is it close to shopping or senior centers that may be good to visit?

Neighborhood desirability – Is this a neighborhood you and your family like and where you feel safe?

Evaluate the care home:
Is the care home visually clean, attractive and functional for your situation?  Are both inside and outside areas inviting and well-kept?
Are the central areas and resident rooms clean and odor free?
Is there an inviting area for visits with friends and family?
Is the staff well-trained, pleasant, respectful and attentive to you and to the residents?  Do there seem to be any language issues between staff and residents?  Is the caregiving and management staff available and involved?
Are the other residents compatible with your needs? (Acuity level?) Do they look clean, cared for, content?
Are there enjoyable activities planned into the day and week?
Is the home designed to suit your physical needs with safety features in halls, bathrooms, entries?  Is there an emergency alert system?  If needed, is there room for wheelchair maneuverability?
Is the food attractive, aromatic, tasty and nutritious?

Ask:
If the caregiving staff is confident that they can provide the appropriate level of care – light, moderate, heavy – for your needs.
About accommodations for residents’ special needs diets, routines, clothes, and hygiene regimens.
About who on staff will be your primary contact for inquiries or concerns from the family and who will give status reports to the family.
About current availability.
About monthly costs for the level of care necessary.  Are there “extra charges” for transportation or other services and what are they?
Talk to residents and their visitors (as well as the caregivers and managers) about the home and services.  Ask about the advantages and disadvantages of living there.
Is the care home’s state license posted and current?