Any forums for discussing local AL facilities?

I wouldn't necessarily disagree, but forums are open and anyone can post and/or read. TOS typically require posters to indemnify the admins for any variety of events, and that can happen. I doubt that many people even read them before joining and most likely don't understand indemnification clauses either. But I preferr to err on the side of legal caution.

Others here have worked out methods to investigate homes and facilities; perhaps they'll offer some suggestions.

I think frank discussions are great with all aspects of opinions. While it's not very useful for AL facilities, there are a few (positive and negative) reviews on Yelp for a couple facilities. Those haven't been challenged. It is imperative to have some idea of how well a facilities is being operated before you spend thousands of dollars and try to place your loved one permanently.

Good idea in concept, but just a word of caution - posting positive comments would be helpful, including to the facilities, but posting negative comments on a public forum isn't a good idea. Although there are commonalities for good and bad features, to some extent reactions are individualistic.

And negative comments about one facility probably wouldn't be appreciated by that facility. Some might be aggressive enough to take action against the poster by contacting the Admins and requesting if not demanding ISP information to pursue slander charges against the poster.

Medicare used to have a facility comparison site, rated and evaluated by certain specified criteria.