Where we are in the process, in plain terms

Someone awake, all night, every night

At least one direct-care staff member must be awake and on duty at all times whenever a resident is present. In a home of our size, staff must also walk documented rounds at least once an hour through the night, from when most residents have gone to bed until most have risen.

A call signal within reach of the bed

A signalling system must be accessible from each resident's bedroom or connecting bathroom.

Fourteen hours of activities a week

For assisted living level care, with at least one hour every day — physical, social, cognitive, creative, productive, sensory and reflective. The schedule must be posted with times and names, not described in general terms.

Three meals a day, and snacks at any hour

At least one hot main dish daily, second helpings at no extra charge, and snacks available at all times free of charge. Menus must be posted for the current week and dated.

Room for a person, not just a bed

One hundred square feet of floor space for a single room, eighty per person in a shared one, and never more than two residents to a bedroom.

Bathrooms in proportion

At least one toilet and sink for every four residents, one bath or shower for every seven, non-slip surfaces, grab bars by toilets and baths, privacy and ventilation.

Air conditioning throughout

Required in every area residents use, with a thermostat or thermometer to monitor it.

A telephone residents can use

Every resident must have access to a telephone they are not charged for.

Ask any home you are considering to show you how it meets these. The good ones will not mind, and the answers tell you a great deal — including about us.