3. Cleanliness is next to godliness. Sure, the lobby will almost always be clean, but ask to see the lunchroom, the adjacent restrooms, etc. Are they clean? Is the floor slippery? Are electrical outlets covered with intact plates? Are there handrails in the restrooms?

4. Is entertainment provided? Most often there will be a lounge with a television set, but what else is there? Take a look around and ask for a schedule. There should be group activities, perhaps some crafts, scheduled outings, and maybe even some spiritual events.

5. Is the facility licensed? They may look great, but are they licensed? The administrative offices should be able to give you a copy of their license. Furthermore, check with the State Department of Social Services to ensure that there are no unresolved complaints against the facility. Another place to check is the Better Business Bureau.

6. Take a look at the staff. If a lot of staff is huddled together talking and socializing while residents are put in front of the television sets, this is not a good sign. Similarly, if you cannot find a staff person anywhere, this is again not a good sign.

7. For individuals with advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, be certain to ask about a special care unit at the long-term care facility. Ideally, this unit will be well equipped to deal with the increasing infirmities of your loved one without the need to move her or him to another unit.

8. Talk about restraints. As the illness progresses, the need for medical or even physical restraints may become very real. Do not be ashamed to ask about them and find out what the facility’s stand on these issues is. If it does not match your own, move one to another facility. Remember that above all else you want to ensure your loved one’ continued quality of life, and spending a lot of time restrained is not part of that.

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