OregonGuy
Senior Member
These tips reflect my experiences during year 2020 of having lived in two Las Vegas ASFs; one I would give an “F” grade and the other an ”A+”
Step 1 Plan ahead. Take your time Consult with others (but do not trust internet raters such as YELP) You are deciding where, with whom, and how you are going to spend the rest of your life!
Step 2 Decide what services you want. Many ALFs have a base price for room, board, transportation, laundry, TV and internet
Usually included in the basic package are in-house activities such as movies, bingo, exercise groups, and holiday celebrations.
Usually NOT included are ala cart menu for services such as medication management, assisted bathing, etc. Price can very … read the fine print!
Step 3 Develop a budget to determine how much you can afford. My friend @MACKTEXAS lists necessities such as “Clothing and other personal needs, health insurance premiums, prescriptions, and such” to be budgeted for. Also include gifts and, of course, candy! If possible, use a financial planner to address investments and income; some municipalities have Social Services folks who provide financial planning services to Seniors.
Step 4 Make a list of the ALFs you will visit that meet your “must meet” criteria such as cost, services, and location.
Step 5 Obtain and study a copy of the ALF’s contract and price sheet BEFORE your first visit. Develop a list of questions such as …
Is this a lease or can you terminate the contract and leave the facility on 30 days’ notice?
Is there a move-in and/or charge? If so, how much is it?
Step 6 Make your first visit the “free food” one conducted by the ALF hostess, Ask the questions you have prepared.
Step 7 Check out the external area of the ALF.
My “grade F” ALF was in a commercially zoned area and bounded on two sides by heavily trafficked, very noisy streets. It had no outside landscaping. Its physical condition was poor with deteriorating carpets and frequent plumbing and electrical problems.
My “grade A+” ALF was located in a quiet residential area. It had beautiful landscaping which was maintained under contract. I never noticed plumbingor electrical problems. The carpeting and drapes were first class.
Step 8 Evaluate the food
My “grade F” ALF served cheap meals like hamburger helper and fish sticks. Coffee was served in tiny styliform cups. Water, juice, and milk served in tiny plastic cups. Meals served on plastic plates. Utensils are all plastic. Everything on the cheap.
My “grade A+” ALF had great food served on China plates with metal utensils. Drinks served in full sized glass containers.
Step 9 Make an unannounced visit and ask the residents how they feel.
My “grade F” ALF residents complained of a lack of organized activities. The general mood was depressing.
My “grade A+” ALF residents enjoyed many activities and were generally happy. I made many friends there. During my last dinner there many of the residents wished me farewell and sang “for he’s a jolly good fellow!” Sadly, I had to return to Oregon to attend to family matters.
Step 1 Plan ahead. Take your time Consult with others (but do not trust internet raters such as YELP) You are deciding where, with whom, and how you are going to spend the rest of your life!
Step 2 Decide what services you want. Many ALFs have a base price for room, board, transportation, laundry, TV and internet
Usually included in the basic package are in-house activities such as movies, bingo, exercise groups, and holiday celebrations.
Usually NOT included are ala cart menu for services such as medication management, assisted bathing, etc. Price can very … read the fine print!
Step 3 Develop a budget to determine how much you can afford. My friend @MACKTEXAS lists necessities such as “Clothing and other personal needs, health insurance premiums, prescriptions, and such” to be budgeted for. Also include gifts and, of course, candy! If possible, use a financial planner to address investments and income; some municipalities have Social Services folks who provide financial planning services to Seniors.
Step 4 Make a list of the ALFs you will visit that meet your “must meet” criteria such as cost, services, and location.
Step 5 Obtain and study a copy of the ALF’s contract and price sheet BEFORE your first visit. Develop a list of questions such as …
Is this a lease or can you terminate the contract and leave the facility on 30 days’ notice?
Is there a move-in and/or charge? If so, how much is it?
Step 6 Make your first visit the “free food” one conducted by the ALF hostess, Ask the questions you have prepared.
Step 7 Check out the external area of the ALF.
My “grade F” ALF was in a commercially zoned area and bounded on two sides by heavily trafficked, very noisy streets. It had no outside landscaping. Its physical condition was poor with deteriorating carpets and frequent plumbing and electrical problems.
My “grade A+” ALF was located in a quiet residential area. It had beautiful landscaping which was maintained under contract. I never noticed plumbingor electrical problems. The carpeting and drapes were first class.
Step 8 Evaluate the food
My “grade F” ALF served cheap meals like hamburger helper and fish sticks. Coffee was served in tiny styliform cups. Water, juice, and milk served in tiny plastic cups. Meals served on plastic plates. Utensils are all plastic. Everything on the cheap.
My “grade A+” ALF had great food served on China plates with metal utensils. Drinks served in full sized glass containers.
Step 9 Make an unannounced visit and ask the residents how they feel.
My “grade F” ALF residents complained of a lack of organized activities. The general mood was depressing.
My “grade A+” ALF residents enjoyed many activities and were generally happy. I made many friends there. During my last dinner there many of the residents wished me farewell and sang “for he’s a jolly good fellow!” Sadly, I had to return to Oregon to attend to family matters.
