AAHSA developed a handy guide for consumers searching for a community to fit their needs. The Consumers’ Guide to Quality Aging Services (PDF) features a series of questions designed to help consumers learn how different providers are managed, which values drive their work, and, most importantly, how they meet an individual’s needs and preferences.

The questions encompass the 10 Elements of Quality. Some examples are:

• How do you include family members in making decisions about the care and services for their loved ones?
• Does your organization have a written code of ethics?
• What training opportunities do you offer employees?

The Guide can also be used by providers. One simple way to use it is to share it with consumers and respond openly to their questions so they can make an informed decision.

In a recent issue of futureAge, Elaine Kaiser, director of marketing and admissions at Dunwoody Village in Newtown Square, Pa, discussed how the Guide fits into their work. “A lot of what’s in the guide are simply good business practices that quality organizations are already doing,” she said. “However, consumers aren’t necessarily aware these efforts are taking place, and it’s important for them to know the right questions to ask.”

Whether you are a consumer searching for the right community or a provider looking for a new way to share your work with consumers, the Consumers’ Guide to Quality Aging Services (PDF) can be a great resource for you.