SELECTING A SAFE SELECTING A SAFE ASSISTED LIVING HOMEASSISTED LIVING HOME

A guide to help families select the

safe living environment their

loved ones deserve.

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

This program is sponsored by The Alaska Division of Fire and Life Safety through a Homeland Security Grant.

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE Educate the public on current regulations

pertaining to Assisted Living Homes.

Offer a checklist to help families choose a safe, friendly, and comfortable home for their loved ones.

LICENSURE AND LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONCERTIFICATION

All Assisted Living Homes are required to be Licensed

License issued by Health Facilities Licensing & Certification / AK. Division of Public Health

Assisted Living Licensing web : site www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/CL/ALL/default.htm

LICENSE CHECK LISTLICENSE CHECK LIST Is it current and displayed? Does Administrator have current state certification? Is the facility a member of a trade or professional

association? Is the facility sponsored by a nonprofit organization? How long has facility been licensed?

FIRST IMPRESSIONFIRST IMPRESSION Location and outward appearance Convenient for visitors, and friends Proximity to shopping, entertainment, and medical

facilities Public Transportation availability and accessibility Clean, courteous, friendly, trained staff Waiting list to get in or frequent vacancies

LIVING AREA AND LIVING AREA AND ACCOMMODATIONSACCOMMODATIONS

Well designed floor plan Facility accommodating to

wheelchairs and walkers Elevators available for those

unable to use stairways Floor materials conducive for safe

walking Good lighting and marked exits

Exit signExit sign

LicenseLicense

Fire AlarmFire Alarm

Security CameraSecurity Camera

Smoke AlarmSmoke Alarm

Fire ExtinguisherFire Extinguisher

Fire SprinklerFire Sprinkler

ACCOMODATIONS (CONT.)ACCOMODATIONS (CONT.)

Clean and odor free Security system and evacuation plan 24-hour emergency response system accessible from

each room (telephone or panic button) Handicap accessible bathrooms Resident cooking facilities Smoking rules and regulations

HEALTH AND PERSONAL HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICESCARE SERVICES

List of available services and who provides them Staff assistance available 24-hours daily Programs for Alzheimer’s, and other dementias How are emergencies handled? Staff assistance for medications and transportation

to medical facilities

STAFF CHECKLISTSTAFF CHECKLIST Facility's staff hiring policies and

procedures Eligibility requirements (references,

criminal background check, certifications) Staff training program and what it entails Timely response to assistance requests

FIRE PREVENTION / FIRE PREVENTION / PROTECTIONPROTECTION

Fire Marshal inspection history Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms installed and

operational Fire Extinguishers properly placed and in service Fire Suppression Sprinkler System Fire escape plan posted at exit of each room Frequent fire evacuation drills Proximity to fire station

SUMMARYSUMMARY Check for license and certifications Appearance and location Trained, courteous staff Safety equipment

For more information contactFor more information contactAssisted Living Licensing (907) 269-3640Assisted Living Licensing (907) 269-3640

Web LinkWeb Link www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/CL/ALL/default.htmwww.hss.state.ak.us/dph/CL/ALL/default.htm

Assisted living home pictures courtesy of North Star Assisted Living Assisted living home pictures courtesy of North Star Assisted Living Phone # (907) 357-2012Phone # (907) 357-2012

OrOrThe Alaska Division of Fire and Life Safety (907)746-5062The Alaska Division of Fire and Life Safety (907)746-5062

Web LinkWeb Link www.akburny.com