Services and amenities offered may include:

      • 24-hour security;
      • on-site nurse response to emergencies;
      • meal plan options;
      • group dining;
      • housekeeping and laundry services;
      • social and recreational programs;
      • fitness centers;
      • salon services;
      • library; and
      • transportation.

Payment

CRCCs typically receive payment from a resident’s private funds.

CCRC Checklist

Printable version

Living Space and Accommodations

_____ Do residents purchase or rent the apartments? What is the cost?

_____ Do you have freestanding homes available?

_____ What are the floor-plan options? Are balconies or patios available?

_____ Are the apartments/homes furnished or unfurnished?

_____ Do the apartments/homes include all-electric appliances? Are light fixtures included?

_____ Do the apartments have individually controlled heating and air-conditioning?

_____ Are window treatments provided?

_____ What is the policy about personal belongings in the apartments/homes?

_____What happens when my health care needs change?

_____ Is the community affiliated with a hospital or nursing home? If I need acute care or long-term care, will I receive priority in the admission process?

_____ If I need to go to the hospital or a nursing home for a short stay, will my room be held? What are the associated fees? Will I receive a discount for unused services (e.g., meals)?

_____ What is the policy for overnight guests? Are guestrooms available? What is the cost?

_____ Is additional indoor storage available? Is there any extra fee?

_____ Can I have a car? Is free parking available?

_____ Are public patios and courtyards available for my use?

_____ Is an area available for me to garden?

_____ Does the community provides 24-hour security?

_____ Are pets allowed to live in my residence? If so, are additional fees or deposits required? If not, are pets allowed to visit?

Staff

_____ What are the community’s staffing patterns?

_____ What training and qualifications are required for staff? Do staff members attend ongoing training programs?

_____ Observe staff and resident interactions. Are they positive? Courteous?

_____ Is the staff approachable?

_____ Ask other residents whether staff members handle requests in a timely way?

_____ Can private-duty companions be hired? What is the procedure for that type of service?

_____ Does the facility have a volunteer program? If yes, what types of activities do the volunteers perform?

_____ Ask residents whether the administrator/director practices an “open-door” policy.

Services, Activities and Amenities

Be sure to ask whether the facility charges an additional fee for the services, activities or amenities offered.

_____ What services and activities do you offer?

_____ Are there special programs for persons with my condition?

_____ Are the services of a physical, occupational or speech therapist available or arranged?

_____ Do staff members assist residents in administering medication? If so, who does that?

_____ Are professional nursing services available on site? If not, does the staff assist residents and families in making arrangements through a home health agency?

_____ Are bed linens and towels provided?

_____ Do you provide laundry services?

_____ Are beauty shop services available on site?

_____ What recreational and spiritual services are available? Ask for a copy of the activities calendar.

_____ Is transportation provided for medical appointments and recreational purposes? Is there a fee?

_____ Are there resident or family councils? How often do they meet?

_____ Is hospice care offered? If so, does the facility coordinate that care with my physician and family?

Dining and Food Services

_____ Does the community accommodate special diets?

_____ Does a dietician or nutritionist review menus? Ask for a copy of the menus.

_____ How often do the menus rotate?

_____ May a guest join me for meals? Is there a fee?

_____ May my family plan special occasions/meals in a private dining room?

_____ Are meals/snacks available at any time?

_____ What are the criteria for residents to eat meals in their rooms?

Moving In

_______ What does the process of moving in entail? What are the paperwork requirements and the timeframes involved? Does the community provide any assistance with the move-in?

_______ Can I paint my room or put up a border on the walls prior to move-in?

_______ How is my initial health assessment managed? Who completes the assessment?

_______ Does the CCRC subscribe to a set of resident rights and responsibilities? Are printed copies of resident rights and responsibilities available?

Costs and Fees

_______ What is included in the basic monthly cost? Ask for a written copy of the contract.

_______ Does the community have a written schedule of fees for extra services? If so, request a copy.

_______ Under what circumstances might the fees change? How much notice is given if fees increase?

_______ Is a security deposit required? What is the refund policy?

_______ Can service agreements and/or contracts be amended or modified?

Contracts

_____ Does your facility require an all-inclusive contract or a fee-for-service contract?

_____ What is covered under the contract?

_____ Is there an “admission” or “entry” fee?

_____ Is this fee refundable?

_____ Will I own my unit?

_____ What are the current monthly/annual fees?

_____ What is included in the basic monthly cost?

_____ Do you have a written schedule of fees for extra services?

_____ What services are not covered under the contract?

_____ Under what conditions may costs increase?

_____ Can contracts be amended or modified?

Complaints

_____ Whom should I call with questions or complaints?

_____ Is there a 24-hour telephone number I can call?