RCFE / Assisted Living Fact Sheets:
Dementia Care Checklist

In addition to the questions in the Evaluation Checklist, the following special considerations need to be taken into account when considering a placement for a person with dementia.

Environment

	Is the facility calm and quiet?
	Does the facility use soft music and/or natural scents to create a soothing atmosphere?
	Is the facility well lighted? Adequate natural light?
	Are there complex patterns on carpets or walls?
	Can staff easily observe the facility's common areas? Outside areas?
	Can staff easily observe the residents' rooms?
	How does the environment promote resident functioning, e.g., a picture of a toilet on the bathroom door?
	Does the facility have a wander alert system?
	Are the doors equipped with a system to delay exit?
	Is there a locked or secured outside area for walking?

Philosophy of Care

	Is the facility's philosophy for caring for persons with dementia consistent with your beliefs?
	Does facility provide services to persons at all stages of the disease process?
	What conditions or behaviors determine whether a facility will either admit or retain someone with dementia?
	Is dementia care provided in a separate unit or as an integrated part of facility services?
	Is the facility's philosophy and practice of handling "difficult behaviors" compatible with your views? (Give a few examples and ask staff how they would handle the situation.)
	What is the facility's philosophy in using physical restraints to deal with certain behaviors?*
	Does the facility recommend the use of psychoactive drugs to treat behaviors?* *Note: Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly have severe restrictions on the use of restraints and the use of psychoactive medications.

Services

	Are there activities specially designed for persons with dementia?
	Do activity programs operate throughout the day? In the evening? And on weekends?
	Are activities individualized for each resident?
	Does facility operate a "Safe Return" program (e.g., residents registered with police) for all residents?
	Does facility provide nutritious finger foods?
	Are water and decaffeinated beverages available throughout the day?
	Does the facility do periodic night checks?
	Number of staff who are awake during the night?

Staff

	Does a person(s) with special knowledge and training about dementia coordinate the assessment and care planning process?
	What role does direct care staff have in the care planning process?
	What role does the resident and family or legal representative play in the care planning process?
	Does a person(s) with special training plan and coordinate the activity program? Is this person full-time? Have assistants?
	Does the activity coordinator design customized activities for each resident? Who does one-on-one activities?
	Is staff assigned to work with the same residents?
	What is the ratio of direct care staff to residents at each shift?
	What type of specialized dementia training does direct care staff receive initially and on an on-going basis? Content? Number of hours?
	Specifically, what type of training do staff receive in handling difficult behaviors? Content? Number of hours? Frequency?
	Who supervises staff? What are their qualifications?
	What special training does the administrator and supervisors receive in dementia care? Content? Number of hours? Frequency?

Other

	Is the facility in contact with experts in dementia care like the Alzheimer's diagnostic centers, Alzheimer's Associations, or regional Caregiver Resource Centers?
	Does the facility have a family support group or refer to community-based groups?
	Does the facility meet all of the licensing standards to provide dementia care? (Ask to review the plan of operation submitted to the licensing agency. The plan should contain information about the philosophy of care, special services and staff training.)
	What does the facility charge for special dementia services? Is there a basic rate that covers all services? Are there additional charges for changing care needs? How and who determines the rate changes?

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