Selecting the right Adult Care Home can be very time consuming; however, having a list of what to look for in a home may make this search easier.  Below, you will find selection tips.  Please make sure that these following items are checked before you make your final decision.

  1. Visit several homes. It is important for you to see the differences between settings. You may prefer one over the other. You want your loved one to be as comfortable as possible.

  2. Make sure the home is licensed and it is VISIBLE. Do NOT be afraid to ask for proof if you cannot see the license (it should be placed out in the open so anyone can see it).

  3. Read the Resident's Bill of Rights. Ask the home facilitator for a copy, or read over it with one of the staff.  If you have questions, please ask.  And when you choose a home, keep the Bill of Rights on hand.

  4. Look for the cleanliness of the home. Does it smell like cleaning supplies? Too many chemicals may be harmful to one's health. Is there an overwhelming urine smell? Remember, a slight odor is not always bad.  Adult Care Homes handle incontinent persons.

  5. Listen to the activity noise level. It is good to hear background noises. If you visit at lunch time and it is silent, ask why. It would lead some to believe that the residents are being over drugged.

  6. Visit the home at least twice and at different times.  This will help you to see different staff and to see what is going on at different times of the day.  A consistent routine should be noticed, this is especially important with dementia residents.

7. Notice the interactions between co-workers; workers and residents. Are the workers pleasant, friendly, caring, courteous, etc.?

8. Ask what social activities are provided. How often are they held? What kinds of activities do they provide? Do they have holiday activities? Are there special  activities for clients with dementia? Is there a daily exercise regime.

9. Look for a safe environment. Are the doors operated by electronically equipped devices to reduce wandering? Are there smoke detectors, how many, are they all working? Are the floors difficult to walk on (i.e. slippery, carpet too thick)? If needed, are there bathing devices available? Are handle rails provided in the bathing area?  How often do they have the fire extinguishers checked and if they know where they are located?

10. What do the meals consist of? Can a special diet be implemented? What do they do to make sure that the proper foods are being given to the correct resident?

11. If your loved one is Diabetic, what precautionary measures does the home take?  Do these residents wear bracelets noting they are diabetic?  How secure are these bracelets?  Is it in their chart?  What do they do if the wrong meal is given to a diabetic person?

12. Find out what personal belongings patients can bring. Can patients put 
up pictures and bring in a favorite chair? Personal momentos and bedding
will make patients feel more at home.

13. What are the visiting hours? Is there a limit on guests at one time?

14. Ask if there is a trial period that your loved one can stay just to see how  he/she is doing there. The first two weeks is a transition period, so give it a chance.  If by the third week your loved one is not doing well there, then you may want to consider another option.

15. How does the Adult Care Home look to YOU? Remember the saying, "You can only make one first impression"...If you are not impressed, than chances are your loved one will not like it as well.

16. Remember, it is not permanent. If you are unsatisfied, you have the right to release your loved one from the home at any time.