Your Nurse Advocate Consulting, LLC
Choosing an Assisted Living Community (Without Panic)
Free Guide + “Plan B” Checklist for Families
When you’re trying to help an aging parent, it’s hard to know what’s “normal aging”… and what’s a sign they need more support. And when a crisis hits, families often have to choose an assisted living community fast—without the right questions, without clear pricing, and without confidence.
This free guide and checklist helps you slow things down, get organized, and walk into tours prepared.
What you’ll get (free download)
The “11 Signs” Plan B list to help you spot when more help at home may be needed (use every 3–6 months or after a big health event)
· A simple comparison tool to understand the difference between independent senior living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing
· Your “Top 5 Non‑Negotiables” worksheet so your family is clear before touring
· A tour scorecard you can use for each community (so you’re not relying on memory later)
Must‑ask questions on: Care Needs
o Memory support (if relevant)
o Move‑out/discharge criteria (ask early)
- o Money, contracts, add‑ons, and rate increases
- o Room/apartment accessibility
- o Activities and transportation
- o Meals and dining
- o Staffing (especially evenings/nights/weekends)
Safety, falls, and emergency response
o Medication management (don’t skip this)
Who this is for
Adult children (especially long‑distance caregivers) who feel like they’re juggling everything
· Families who want a Plan B ready before a fall, hospitalization, or sudden decline
· Anyone touring assisted living and thinking, “I don’t even know what I should be asking.”
How to use the checklist (simple + practical)
1. Use the “11 Signs” list every 3–6 months (patterns matter more than one “off” day).
2. Tour 2–3 communities before a crisis if you can.
3. Bring:
o A current medication list (including OTCs and supplements)
o A short needs list (mobility, memory, toileting, bathing, meals)
o Your top 5 non‑negotiables
4. Ask for answers in writing: pricing, add‑ons, discharge/move‑out criteria, and how rate increases work.
Why trust Your Nurse Advocate Consulting
We’re Linda Kritikos and Pam Dunwald—experienced RNs and Board-Certified Patient Advocates. Our mission is to guide aging adults and their families through the complexities of healthcare with expertise and compassion, so you can make confident decisions and juggle less and enjoy more.
We’ve helped 1000s of families find solutions that work, and we created this checklist to make tours clearer, calmer, and more practical.
