Chances are quality of care, comfort and friendly staff are going to be towards the top of the list when evaluating an assisted living. But what about family communication? How is mom's new home going to keep you in the loop with her health and general well being? Or how are you going to know that dad won the Wednesday BINGO tournament cashing out big with $1.85 cents? Phone conversations are the likely answer but if you're like the rest of us, you have a job that requires you to focus on other things during normal business hours.

So how great would it be if there was a system in place that allowed you to stay informed with mom or dad's health? A system that provided you with that personalized information that you want and in a location that allows you to access it when you want it. Ah ha! Now that would be something that might make one assisted living stand out over the rest. A compelling reason to move mom (or dad) to a new home, and not feel guilty about doing so. Think about it. If you find yourself in that situation, make sure you ask how they plan on communicating with you.