Although this article may not apply to everyone today, at some point it may apply to every reader who has an elderly parent.

If you haven’t visited your parent (s) in a while, you might find some startling and abrupt changes during this visit. During previous visits you might have noticed some minor changes with mobility or memory issues that you’ve most likely attributed to the normal aging process. Today, however, some of these changes may now be too obvious to ignore. In fact, you may be having have some very serious concerns about their health, safety and overall well-being.

Section 1: Signals that your parent’s  life has declined.

In retrospect, there are usually a number of very clear signals that a parent’s life is in decline, and they may not be capable of effectively managing their life without some help. There may have been a recent medical emergency, several falls and broken bones, minor dents and scratches on the car, unopened mail or unpaid bills, past due notices, an unclean house, lack of social activities, or neglected pets.

Perhaps there is a concern regarding their mental capacity about memory recall, forgetfulness of names and current events, loss of car keys or wallet/purse, leaving the stove turned on, or not taking medications and missing medical appointments.

One or more of these signals is cause for concern.

Section 2: Is it time for a senior Assisted Living Facility:

You may be aware that you are either closely coming to or have suddenly reached a critical decision point. Recognizing that someone you deeply care about now needs additional help with their quality of life and help with the activities of daily living is a difficult reality. Also, recognizing that you personally are unable to provide the care they desperately need is a very difficult and emotional harsh reality. Yet, you know it is time to make the decision for a different style of senior living. Making the choice to discuss alternate living options for them is a delicate conversation. They may be resistant, or perhaps they intuitively know it is time. Involving your siblings, their siblings, or a doctor may prove helpful in coaxing your parents into a lifestyle change.

Section 3: How to Decide on an Assisted Living Facility.

Once a choice has been made, starting the process of How to Choose an Assisted Living Facility that is best for them should begin immediately. Costs, location, and needed services are only just a few of the considerations, Additionally, many assisted living facilities have waiting periods before a room is available. With so many little decisions and questions, the process can become overwhelming. To stay focused and organized, a Checklist will be necessary to evaluate the assisted living facilities you visit.

Section 4: Evaluate An Assisted Living Facility with the help of a Checklist.

Selecting an Assisted Living Facility for yourself or a loved one is an important decision as it will greatly influence the quality of daily living for the latter part of one's life. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. A comprehensive Checklist will help you make the right decision for your family.

Based on Personal Experience: This Checklist for How to Choose an Assisted Living Facility was developed based on our family’s personal experience selecting an Assisted Living facility for my mother and helping her adjust to the Assisted Living lifestyle.

Comprehensive Checklist: This checklist is intended as a guide and has over 650 items to be considered. There is no facility that could possibly offer all the options contained in this checklist. Moreover, all the items in this list are not appropriate for all people. Prioritize your needs, compare facilities, and use this checklist to help you make the decision that best suits your needs or the needs of a loved one.

Eliminates Confusion: The Checklist is organized so that you can compare the features of three (3) different Assisted Living Facilities side-by-side which helps to make your decision easier.

Highly Organized: The information and questions are functionally organized within dozens of modules ranging from Facility Image to Caregiving to Financial Considerations! Each module is organized and segmented with highly focused questions making it  easy to digest information in small, easy-to-use chunks of information.

Key Takeaways:
- Notice things that are beyond the normal aging process.
- Can your parents still handle all the necessary activities of daily living.
- Are your parents safe in their current living environment.
- Observe if your parents taking care of their health.

- Notice if your parents are having memory issues.
- Have an important and difficult discussion about moving your parents to an Assisted Living Facility.