One has to be careful about asking a resident about their Assisted Living facility, as some of the residents do have memory issues and may say things that have no relationship to their current residence.

If someone would ask my Dad, he would volunteer that there are a lot of bugs on the wall.... [sigh]. There are no bugs, Dad is dealing with a lung infection that is currently messing with his thinking.

I do agree, ask the family what they think.

I wish these facilities would act like it's the dating game. If you have to have a roommate, make sure they like some of the same things, such as TV shows. Make sure they are about the same cognitive ability. When one person has their facilities and the other doesn't it's tough on the one who does.

In my early 80s, I have no family to do this for me, so I started doing checks myself. I insist on a 24-your visit to a facility, that means that they put me up for one night as a guest, and that I arrive for lunch on day one and leave after breakfast the next day. I have a chance to check out meals. Food is a very important consideration for me. I want healthful, fresh (meaning unprocessed) food with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables... not canned, heaven forbid. I want well-prepared and cooked meals by a caring chef or cook who knows what she/he is doing. In 24 hours, I have the chance to get to see how residents live and enjoy or not enjoy the place, Those assisted living facilities that do not allow me to do this do not make it to my short list.

Melone: You are my role model. Good for you. You must have some good genetics and secrets for good living and long life!

I have just joined your web site. I am 89, living alone in my own home without a caregiver. However, I am interested in your information and comments as going into a facility of some type may be in my future. Very interesting.