Selecting a Licensed Limited Mental Health Assisted Living Facility.

Check List:

· Ask for a copy of the last survey: __________________________________________________________________________________________

· Has the facility been fined or placed on a moratorium? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

· How long has the administrator worked at this particular facility ? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

· What special qualifications does the administrator have, if any ? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Is the administrator on call after hours? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Will it be ok for you to call the administrator after hours ? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Is the administrator personally involved in the day to day operations and care of the residents? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

· What qualifications do the direct care staff have? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

· How does the facility meet or exceed the minimum staffing requirements for the facility ? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· How does the facility meet or exceed the minimum training requirements for the staff ? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Does the facility provide ongoing professional develop opportunities for the staff ? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Does the facility offer special diets? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Is the Menu reviewed by a licensed dietician? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Does the facility maintain a four week menu cycle? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· How does the facility make available alternatives when a resident refuses to eat what is scheduled on the menu? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Does the staff monitor residents in the dining hall? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Does the facility monitor resident weights monthly and weekly when necessary? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Is the resident allowed to select their own roommate? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· How does the facility respond when two roommates are no longer able to get along? What is the procedure? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Does the facility assist residents in managing their cigarettes? If so please tell me how? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Does the facility assist residents in managing their personal needs allowance? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Who has the responsibility for coordinating client information and resident care needs with the assigned case manager? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· How are resident care decision made at 2am when there is a crisis or significant change in condition? Who makes the decisions? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· How does the facility provide for the transportation needs of the residents? Is that transportation available during the evenings and weekends? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· How does the resident get time to see the administrator? Is there a specific procedure in place? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· How accessible and interactive is the staff with the residents? How attentive are they in responding to their requests for assistance? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Is a copy of the residency contract available for review? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· What are the rates for this facility? Is there any expected increase in the rate? Is the facility eligible to receive Medicaid benefits? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· What recreational opportunities are available? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· How frequently does the case manager come to see their clients here at the facility? How does the resident obtain an appointment to see their doctor or case manager? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Explain what happens in an average day here at the facility? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Is there an on call pharmacist? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· How close is the local community mental health center? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Is there a drop in center in the area? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· What special links does the facility have with organizations in the community? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Is the facility or its administrator a member of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________