Qualities Necessary in an Assisted Living Facility

Qualities Necessary in an Assisted Living Facility for Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders

When a facility says it is "dementia-capable," it is assumed the facility understands the needs of such individuals and can meet the needs of such an individual before it commits to her/his admission. Then retention/discharge issues become easier to deal with because both the facility and the resident (and family) know what the individual's needs are and the capacity of the facility to meet such needs.

The facility should provide:

A written statement of its mission, policies and procedures, reflecting how the setting can meet the specialized needs of individuals with dementia.
An initial screening of the applicant to determine the setting's ability to meet the anticipated needs of a person with dementia, prior to move-in and/or the execution of a resident agreement.
A more complete assessment of the resident and a written service plan using information from the assessment consistent with the services provided by the facility after move-in.
An individualized service plan developed with the resident as a full partner.
A safe and secure outdoor area for residents that wander.
Available staff to walk with individuals with unsteady gait.
Facility lighting that is even and consistent to help eliminate falls.
Meaningful activities which enhance the individual's positive self-image and sense of fulfillment, as well as allow for the individual's cognitive deficiencies. The activities should be appropriate for an adult and provide a feeling of satisfaction, enjoyment and accomplishment.
Safe floor surfaces and available handrails for support.
Clear paths to all destinations and sufficient cues and landmarks for identification of destinations (especially bathrooms).
A method that allows the resident to identify his/her room to help keep confusion to a minimum.
The opportunity for the resident to bring their personal belongings into the facility.
Access to the secure/safe outdoor area and windows to view the outside environment.
Availability of small private places for the family to meet with the resident.
The opportunity for the family to be involved in the resident's care plan.
Common use areas that are safe with appropriate seating.
The opportunity for the individual to be involved in decision-making as much as it is possible.
Available 24-hour awake staff.
Ongoing training to all appropriate staff on Alzheimer's disease and dementia care (i.e., wandering/egress control, general overview of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, communication basics, creating a therapeutic environment, activity-focused care and dealing with difficult behaviors.)

Compiled by the Lincoln/Greater Nebraska Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 1999.