Selecting a center for assisted living (San Francisco residents, pay attention) should be an involved, carefully thought out process that empowers the individual moving in with the discretion to make these decisions for themselves--and get everything they want and need out of their new living arrangement. After all, this is a major step that is often dreaded by the elderly and their loved ones. Remember, though, it doesn't have to be an unpleasant process. When it comes to senior living, San Francisco has a multitude of assisted living communities--some of which are as nice as vacation resorts.



When you're looking at assisted living San Francisco style, make sure to visit a number of different places several times. Each time you visit one assisted living community, go at a different time of day so you get a complete impression of what life is like there round the clock. Interview facility directors, staff, and residents. Read all information and brochures available, tour the entire facility indoors and outdoors, eat at least one meal there, and ask plenty of questions. The latter is the key to ensuring all of your bases are covered, but a lot of your decision should depend on how the places "feels" to you overall.

The following is a list of a few questions you should ask yourself when touring senior living communities:

1. Does this assisted living community have a good reputation?

2. Do you get an immediate sense of warmth and comfort when you walk into the building?

3. Is the building (inside and out) clean, well-maintained, and inviting?

4. Does it smell fresh and clean inside the building(s)?

5. Is the community location and facility appealing?

6. Do the hallways and rooms accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and promote ease of movement?

7. Did you receive warm greetings from the staff? Are they friendly and outgoing?

8. Do the staff members interact warmly with the residents?

9. Is there a nurse on staff, or medical personnel that come in on a regular basis?

10. Are the residents socializing and engaged in fun and meaningful activities?

11. Are the sounds that you hear around the assisted living community pleasant?

12. Is the floor plan easy to understand?

13. Is there easy access to the outdoors? Courtyards? Patios? Gardens?

14. Are there emergency response systems in bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas?

15. Do the residents appear content and happy? (Feel free to talk with them and ask them how they like the staff and living there).

16. Have you had a chance to try the food? If so, how does it taste?

17. Can you envision friends and family comfortably visiting you or your relative(s) here?