For Families

The Assisted Living Family Decision Checklist

Six steps from getting your family on the same page to supporting your Loved One through the transition.

Compliments of Petunia · usepetunia.com

A young adult daughter sits with her elderly father at a laptop, helping him review senior living options together, a moment of care and collaboration.

What You Will Find Inside

A practical guide for families navigating one of the most important decisions they will make.

1

Get the Family aligned from the start

Schedule a family meeting. Clarify roles, set decision-making expectations, and agree on core priorities like safety, cost, and location.

2

Involve your Parent in the process

Ask open-ended questions. Understand their fears and preferences around independence, privacy, and social life. Set realistic expectations together.

3

Research as a team

Use Petunia to compare options and collect information. Divide research tasks, set deadlines, and check independent reviews before touring.

4

Tour and evaluate Communities together

Visit at least four Communities. Share tour notes with your family team. Meet Residents and staff beyond just the sales team.

5

Make a decision everyone supports

Host a final decision meeting. Revisit your priorities list. Give your parent the final say where possible. Review the contract together.

6

Support the transition as a family

Agree on a transition plan, communication schedule, and emotional support roles. Celebrate small wins. Schedule a 60 to 90 day follow-up.

1

Location & Access

Is the Community within reasonable distance for regular family visits?

2

Care Level Match

Does the Community offer the care your Loved One needs now, and as needs progress?

3

Staffing Ratios

Ask the director: what is the staff-to-Resident ratio on nights and weekends?

4

Contract & Costs

Get the full fee schedule in writing. Understand what triggers a rate increase.

5

Community Life

Attend a meal. Observe how staff interact with Residents.

6

Your Gut

After the tour: would you feel at peace leaving your Loved One here?

Download Your Checklist

It is free. No account required.

Download the Checklist
Bonus

Use code CHECKLIST when you access Petunia for one month free.

Ready to get started? Access Petunia