1. SELECTING A SAFE ASSISTED LIVING HOME A guide to help families select the safe living environment their loved ones deserve.

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

3. OBJECTIVE  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.

4. LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION  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 www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/CL/ALL/default.htm

5. LICENSE 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?

6. FIRST 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

7. LIVING AREA AND ACCOMMODATIONS  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

8. Exit sign License Fire Alarm Security Camera Smoke Alarm Fire Extinguisher Fire Sprinkler

9. 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

10. HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE 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

11. STAFF 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

12. FIRE PREVENTION / PROTECTION  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

13. SUMMARY  Check for license and certifications  Appearance and location  Trained, courteous staff  Safety equipment For more information contact Assisted Living Licensing (907) 269-3640 Web Link Web 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 Phone # (907) 357-2012 Or The Alaska Division of Fire and Life Safety (907)746-5062 Web Link www.akburny.com Web Link www.akburny.comwww.akburny.com