In Minnesota, assisted living encompasses a wide range of residential settings that vary greatly in the services they offer. Assisted living facilities may offer a few services, such as housekeeping and meals, or they may offer a full array of supportive services and health care choices. In order to choose one that is right for you, you need to have a full understanding of your own needs and what the facility has to offer. We recommend that you call ahead to set up a tour of the housing facility. You may also want to make more than one visit, at different times of the day. Make sure to indicate that you would like to meet with staff members to learn more about the building. If you are helping someone locate an assisted living residence, try to include them in the decision-making process as much as possible; this will make their satisfaction level higher.

Services offered by assisted living residences:

Most assisted living residences create a service plan for each resident. As a resident's condition changes, the plan is updated to assure appropriate care. Remember, facilities differ greatly in the type and scope of services they offer. The following services may be available at assisted living facilities.

• Help with meal preparation up to three meals/day, plus snacks
• Help with dressing, bathing, toileting
• Health care assistance; medication monitoring, taking medications
• Transportation for business, medical appointments, personal appointments
• Memory care
• Housekeeping-cleaning
• Laundry-linens, personal laundry

Questions to consider:

• What is the atmosphere like? Is the staff friendly, are they open to questions, do they interact warmly with the residents?
• What is the building like? Is it homelike, well-kept, odor free? Are the grounds well maintained?
• Amenities of the building - Consider common areas and rooms: activity, guest, craft, computer, television, chapel, patio, garage(s), post office, convenience store, pharmacy, beauty/barber shop.
• What are the individual units like? Are they apartments, efficiencies, shared rooms? Do all units have a response system?
• What social and recreational opportunities are available? Can volunteers, including family members, come into the residence to help residents?
• What services are provided and at what cost? Ask for a list of available services. Understand what services you will receive and exactly in what capacity. How will you be charged for services? Can you purchase services as you want or need them?
• What about health care? What kind of health care services are available? Can you purchase health care as needed?

This article was prepared by Senior Housing, Inc. You may e-mail them at or visit the web site: www.seniorhousingdirectory.com