Questions to Ask About All Medications:

• What is the name of the medication and what does it do?
• When/how is it taken? With water/food ? Empty stomach?
• How long should it be taken? Are there refills?
• Does this medication contain anything that could cause an allergic reaction?
• Will this medication interact with any other medications that are currently being taken?
• Will this medication affect day-to-day activities?
• What should be done if there are adverse side effects?
• Is a generic version of this product available?
• What is the best way to store medication?

Tips for Interviewing Personal Care/Assisted

Living Facilities:

• Ask specific questions regarding location.
• Ask about the cost. Do they have a daily or monthly rate? If private pay, can Medicare or Medicaid be applied?
• What services are included? (number of meals per day, snacks, laundry, housekeeping, activities, transportation)
• What is the capacity of residents for this facility?
• How long has the facility been in business?
• Do they provide references?
• Who furnishes the room?
• Are short-term stays okay (respite care and cost)?
• Who provides respite for the service providers?
• Is the facility licensed by the State of Texas?

Indicators of Poor Care in Assisted Living Facilities:

• Unanswered call bells
• Incorrect use of restraints (both physical and chemical)
• Excessive use of restraints
• Overly sedated residents
• Residents not taken to the bathroom regularly
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Urine and other body odors
• Unsatisfactory mouth care (odors)
• Men unshaven
• Hair not combed
• Fingernails/Toenails long and dirty
• Not having residents out of bed and dressed
• Eyeglasses and teeth locked away
• Skin breakdown on buttocks, in skin folds, and creases
• Not offering water to residents (dehydration)
• Dry mouth, eyes sunken, very dry skin, speech problems
• Unexplained confusion or drowsiness
• No assistance with feeding, leading to poor nutrition
• Reddened areas that do not disappear
• Poor staff training
• Inadequate supervision of staff
• Threats, rough handling, scolding