Important Features To Look for in an Assisted Living Facility

Choosing the right assisted living facility for your loved one is a major decision. It is worthwhile to familiarize yourself with important aspects to consider when choosing a facility that meets both their physical and emotional needs, ensuring comfort, safety, and overall well-being.

Contact Haven Health in Arizona to learn more about the comprehensive assisted living options we offer.

What Is an Assisted Living Facility? 

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIH), an assisted living facility is intended for individuals who require assistance with daily tasks, but do not necessarily require the medical assistance of a skilled nursing facility (although some assisted living facilities offer skilled nursing as well). 

When Is Assisted Living the Right Choice? 

Assisted living may be the right choice for your loved one if one or more of the following is becoming an issue:

• They’re struggling to manage medication(s).
• They’re struggling to keep themselves and/or their home clean.
• They’re struggling to properly feed themselves.
• They’re struggling with loneliness and isolation.
• You and other family members are struggling to help out.
• You have safety concerns.

Top Features Every Family Should Evaluate in 2025

Before choosing an assisted living facility, there are several important factors that a family should consider. The overall level of care provided by the facility is crucial. This includes understanding what types of medical assistance and support services are available, such as:

• Medication management
• Mobility assistance
• 24-hour nursing care
• Infectious disease care
• Complex wound care
• Memory care
• Rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy

It is also important to consider the overall comfort and enjoyment your loved one will find in the facility. 

Other factors to consider include: 

1.    Safety and Security: More Than Just Locked Doors 

When taking a tour, ask about what security measures are being taken, such as secure entrances, secure locks on the doors, and emergency response systems that are in place.

This also extends to physical safety precautions, such as:  

• Grab bars in the bathrooms
• Handrails on all steps or inclines
• Staff oversight
• Post-COVID infection protocols that follow state guidelines for preventing disease spread
• Air quality systems being well-maintained
• Residents having access to ways to communicate with family

2. Trained, Compassionate Staff — And the Right Staff-To-Resident Ratios

Look for evidence of well-trained and compassionate caregivers who prioritize individual needs and provide personalized attention to residents. 

You should also inquire about the following:

• Staff qualifications (ensure that staff are well-trained to handle personalized and high-quality care).
• Ensure that medical staff have the proper qualifications.
• Ask what the employee turnover is like at the facility.
• Ask about how care is customizable to your loved one’s needs.
• Ask about how patient-centered care is incorporated.
• Ask about how the staff accounts for patients dealing with dementia and/or trauma.
• Ask about family access to care team communication.

3.  Personalized Care Plans and Resident-Centered Philosophy 

A 2025 study published by the National Library of Medicine found that patients who are empowered to make medical decisions for themselves, after being given access to pertinent information, tend to experience superior healthcare outcomes.

Individualized care is not only important for medical purposes, but ensuring that a facility is ready to respect your loved one’s personal routine, needs, and preferences is also crucial to living comfortably. 

Examples include:

• Access to customizable dining schedules and dietary needs.
• Making reasonable accommodations for a preferred sleeping schedule.
• Facilities that adhere to state regulations on person-centered care.

4.  Cleanliness, Comfort, and Home-Like Environment 

Assisted living facilities should be exceptionally clean and inviting (this goes for the staff as well). The décor should feel relaxed and comforting, and you should inquire about cleanliness practices, such as:

• What are the facility practices regarding COVID hygiene protocols?
• What is the facility doing to guarantee healthy air quality?
• How frequently is maintenance being done?
• Does this facility incorporate a fragrance-free policy?
• Are frequently touched surfaces anti-microbial surfaces?
• Ask to see the cleanliness logs, and how the facility works to guarantee transparency.

5.  Social Engagement and Recreation

Families should explore the range of recreational activities and social programs to ensure residents have opportunities for engagement and enjoyment. According to the Mayo Clinic, social relationships reduce loneliness, which reduces the risk of depression and anxiety. A facility should offer ways that residents can engage in activities that are enjoyable and meaningful with other residents. 

Examples include:

• Intergenerational programs
• Virtual travel
• Pet therapy
• Art classes
• Exercise classes
• Tech-based engagement for keeping in touch with family and friends or playing games

6. Dining Experience: Nutritious, Enjoyable, and Dignified 

It’s important to find a place that has plenty of dining options to meet everyone’s dietary needs. For example, facilities with the option for communal dining can be a great way for residents to socialize. 

Some other things to consider include:

• Does the menu have a lot of variety and take resident feedback into account?
• Does the dining hall offer flexible dining times?
• Does the menu offer vegetarian, vegan, and Kosher options?
• Is there a diabetic friendly menu?
• Are there healthy menu options for those dealing with renal issues?
• Are there texture-modified options for those struggling to swallow?

7. Transparent Pricing and Financial Flexibility 

Understanding pricing structures, any additional fees or charges, and discussing payment options is essential to make informed decisions that align with one’s budget. Before deciding on an assisted living facility, it’s vital to sit down with someone in the financial office to discuss the exact pricing that will be involved with the type of care you’re looking for, and what your options are. 

Be sure to inquire about:

• What will long-term care insurance cover? (When applicable)
• Will you or your loved one qualify for any Medicaid waiver programs?
• Are VA benefits accepted? (When applicable)
• What payment models are available? 

8. Communication and Family Involvement

A 2021 study published by the National Library of Medicine suggests that patients who are more frequently visited by family members and have family members more involved in their care had superior health outcomes. This study also suggests that effective and clear communication between family members and assisted living staff improves the quality of care.

A strong facility will have options for you to build trust in your relationship with caregivers, stay informed, and be involved to whatever extent you and your loved one wish by incorporating one or more of the following:

• Technological “family portals”
• Care conferences
• Flexible visitation policies

9. Visitation Policies and COVID-Era Lessons Learned 

When visiting a facility, it is worth asking how the facility handled the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they adapted to prevent future outbreaks. For example, at Haven Health in Arizona, we have updated our admissions process and visitor screenings to be appropriate for safety, while allowing some flexibility. 

10.    Location, Accessibility, and Transportation Services 

It’s important to consider the location of the facility and its proximity to the patient’s preferred medical providers, regularly attended community gatherings, regular shopping locations, and their loved ones. You should also ask about what types of transportation options are available through the facility, whether these options are ADA-compliant, and how obtaining these rides works. 

Red Flags To Watch for During a Tour

It’s imperative to pay close attention and follow your instincts about issues you may witness during your tour. 

Some red flags to be watching out for include:

• Unpleasant odors
• Residents are being ignored
• Vague and unclear pricing
• Restricting access to protocols, paperwork, etc.
• Staff seem cold, moody, or checked out
• Messes left unattended
• Poor lighting
• Broken equipment

Questions To Ask Before You Decide

When looking for a skilled nursing facility, in addition to printing out and bringing Medicare’s skilled nursing facility checklist, here are some questions that you may want to ask:

• What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
• How does the facility handle medical emergencies or unexpected health issues?
• What types of rehabilitation services and therapies are available onsite?
• Are there specialized programs or units for specific conditions, such as dementia or stroke recovery?
• Can residents bring personal belongings and furniture with them?
• Is there a visiting policy for family members and friends? 
• What activities and social programs are offered to promote engagement and quality of life?
• Are meals provided, and can dietary restrictions or preferences be accommodated? 
• What security measures are in place to ensure the safety of residents? 
• How does the facility communicate with families about their loved one’s condition or any changes in care plans?
• How does the facility integrate technology for entertainment and medical purposes?
• How did the facility respond to the COVID-19 pandemic? What safety measures are they still taking against future COVID outbreaks? 

Choosing an assisted living facility is a huge decision — but by being knowledgeable about what you’re looking for and knowing what to watch out for, families can find an ideal location that everyone can be happy about. If you still have questions, or are ready to book a tour at Haven Health, contact us today. 

Before your visit, check out our assisted living checklist, and write down any questions you may have.

Sources:

A Surprising Key to Healthy Aging: Strong Social Connections. (2024).
Gaugler, J. (2021). Re-imagining Family Involvement in Residential Long-Term Care.
Long-Term Care Facilities: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and Other Residential Care. (2023).
Young, M. (2025). Standards and Evaluation of Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Person-Centered Care.