Sometimes 5-star service was granted those shining stars for the wrong reasons. Consumers tend to trust award winning or specially approved products. While shopping for assisted living facilities, awards and endorsements can be persuasive decision makers. By looking at one prestigious organization’s guidelines, the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), get a grip on what trusted award winning assisted living should fulfill.
ALFA is a renowned organization that gives awards to senior living professionals and their facilities. When getting a tour or meeting with employees for a living option, ask what awards the staff has received. These people are just as important as the place. For example, ALFA has a Hero Award given to servants in the field. One recent recipient Sharon Stiles, an executive director of a Brookdale Assisted Living community, is noted for her compassion and leadership. Whether it is a nursing director or chef, award-winning service should have proper accreditation.
Another award, dealing with facilities, is the ALFA Best of the Best award. These awards cover categories like clinical wellness, technology adoption, risk management an injury reduction, dining services, and resident and family engagement. Each of these aspects of retirement housing are valued. Emerging awards also consider environmentally friendly housing. If the awards-giving organization and categories aren’t presented, ask community representatives for more information.
Other trusted seals include the National Center for Assisted Living’s National Quality Awards and any local or state government granted awards. Before you are sold on a golden seal, check into where the housing program got the award and who gave it to them.






[...] I went to visit an old family friend at brookdale assisted living, a retirement home and care facility. This friend had led a normal life that was marred by some [...]