When you’re exploring assisted living options for a loved one, you want reassurance that the community you choose is secure, supportive, and accountable.
Beyond tours, brochures, and conversations with team members, one valuable assessment tool families often overlook is the state survey.
In Illinois assisted living, state surveys are more than paperwork. They’re detailed evaluations designed to protect residents and ensure quality of care.
Understanding how they work, what to look for, and how the long-term care ombudsman program fits into the process can give you added peace of mind.
At The Birches, we guide families like yours to make sense of these surveys and to understand how they connect to the larger picture of comfort, trust, and quality of life in assisted living.
What is a state survey in assisted living?
A state survey is an annual evaluation of a senior living community, conducted by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Its purpose is to make sure assisted living communities meet state regulations and provide a secure and supportive environment for residents.
State surveyors annually review many aspects of community life, including medication management, dining services, team member training, infection control, and overall resident well-being. Outcomes are posted on the IDPH website.
In some cases, additional surveys may be triggered by a complaint, helping ensure concerns are taken seriously and resolved promptly. Complaints can come from residents, family members, or even team members. This open process creates multiple layers of accountability and fosters a culture where issues are addressed rather than overlooked.
Why families should pay attention to state survey results
State survey results give families a window into how a community is performing and how its stated values show up in everyday life. They highlight both areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
Reviewing these reports can help you compare communities more objectively and ask meaningful questions when you visit in person.
For example, if a survey shows a dining citation, you might ask what steps the community took to improve. If staff training was noted, you could inquire about new education or resources added since the citation.
Families should remember that it’s not just about whether issues occurred, but how a community responds and corrects them.
This focus on accountability aligns with what The Birches values most: treating each Member with dignity, respect, and individuality.
A checklist for using state survey results
Now that you know why state survey results matter, here are some practical ways to use them when you’re choosing a community for a loved one:
- Review deficiencies and how the community addressed them
- Check for repeated issues across multiple years
- Ask about improvements since the last survey
- Understand how the community handles complaints from residents, families, and team members
- Combine survey data with in-person tours and conversations
- Look for signs of active life enrichment, not just basic compliance
- Consider whether the community’s lifestyle philosophy, such as The Birches’ Montessori Inspired Lifestyle approach, supports independence and dignity
Taken together, these steps help you move beyond surface impressions and gain a clearer picture of how a community operates. They also give you the confidence to ask the right questions and make a well-informed decision.
The role of the long-term care Ombudsman Program
A long-term care ombudsman is an independent advocate for residents in senior living communities. The ombudsman program helps protect senior living residents’ rights, mediate concerns, and provide guidance to families navigating the care process.
Because they are independent, ombudsmen reassure families that their perspectives are heard and that any issues are handled fairly and with transparency.
By working alongside families, residents, and communities, ombudsmen help strengthen trust in the assisted living process and promote a higher standard of care across Illinois and the country.
How The Birches supports families beyond the state survey
Instead of viewing state surveys and the long-term care ombudsman program as intimidating or bureaucratic, families can see them as built-in allies during the decision-making process. They not only highlight how a community is performing but also provide an outside perspective that supports your search for a place where your loved one will feel truly cared for and at home.
State surveys and the ombudsman program provide accountability and reassurance, but they’re only a part of the bigger picture. What matters most is how a community turns standards into daily experiences that feel supportive, purposeful, and personal.
At The Birches assisted living community, home means privacy, independence, and the freedom for our Members to shape each day as they wish.
Our Montessori Inspired Lifestyle and focus on successful aging gives Members opportunities to pursue meaningful activities, connect with neighbors, and enjoy a personalized balance of support and autonomy. Ours is a philosophy that goes beyond meeting expectations; it’s about creating a community where individuals truly thrive.
If you’d like more guidance on your assisted living journey, download our Smooth Transitions to Senior Living Guide to help you navigate each step with confidence.
