Retirement & Financial Planning Report

Assisted living facilities can help people stay out of a nursing home when they no longer can live independently. Check out prospective facilities carefully before making any commitments.

* Hire a pro. The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (www.caremanager.org) has a database of professionals who can help with assessment and recommend facilities. They likely will know where to steer you (and where to keep you away from).

* Pay a visit. Make some unannounced visits, talk to residents, and observe what types of activities they are engaged in. Visit at different times during the day, including dinner, evenings and weekends.

* Survey the staff. Find out the staff-to-resident ratio and ask about employee training. See how the staff interacts with residents as well as family members.

* Check out the contract. The facility’s agreement will describe its fees, services, resident rights, facility and resident responsibilities, discharge criteria, and conditions of termination. You probably should hire an elder law attorney to review a contract before signing anything.

* Stay alert. After a parent moves in, visit often and regularly. This sends a message to the staff and administrator that someone cares and is watching out for the resident’s best interest.