The U.S. Administration on Aging offers the following advice to help you and your loved one find an appropriate assisted living facility:

• Look around. Visit more than one facility. And visit each facility more than once.

• Visit during meal times, and sample some food.

• Talk to the residents.

• Watch how the residents and staff interact.

• Ask for a written statement of the facility's philosophy of care.

• Find out what kinds of social, recreational and spiritual activities are offered.

• Review licensing reports.

• Ask about retention policies. What sort of mental or physical disabilities would require moving your loved one to a different facility?

• If the facility is connected to a nursing home, ask for information about it too.

• Call your state's long-term-care ombudsman. Ask about complaints filed against the facility. Call the local Better Business Bureau too.