Before the tour
Confirm that the community says it can support the older adult’s current needs before scheduling a long visit. Review the official facility record in advance and bring questions about anything you do not understand.
- Verify the facility name, address, and license number
- Read recent inspection, complaint, and enforcement documents
- Prepare a short description of current care needs
- Ask who will lead the tour and who can discuss care and pricing
- Bring a notebook or use the same notes template for every visit
Care, staffing, and communication
Ask for concrete answers about who is present on each shift, what training is required, and how changing needs are handled. Titles and staffing models vary, so ask what each person actually does.
- Who is on site overnight and on weekends?
- How are new residents assessed and care plans updated?
- How are medications managed and pharmacies coordinated?
- What happens after a fall, hospitalization, or sudden change?
- How and when are families contacted?
- Which needs could require a move to another setting?
Safety and the physical environment
Look beyond the model room. Walk common areas, dining spaces, outdoor areas, and the route a resident would use every day. Ask how emergency plans work for people with mobility or memory limitations.
- Entrances, exits, call systems, lighting, and handrails
- Bathroom accessibility and room-specific safety features
- Emergency, evacuation, and power-outage procedures
- Memory-care access controls and outdoor safety
- Cleanliness, odors, noise, temperature, and maintenance
Daily life, meals, and resident experience
Observe rather than relying only on the activity calendar. Notice whether residents are engaged by choice, whether staff know residents by name, and whether people who stay in their rooms receive attention.
- Meal choices, snacks, special diets, and dining assistance
- Transportation and appointment support
- Activities for different interests and ability levels
- Outdoor access, visitors, pets, and personal routines
- How concerns and resident preferences are documented
Costs, agreements, and move-out rules
Ask for the full written fee schedule and a sample agreement. Do not rely on a verbal starting price when comparing communities.
- Base monthly rate and exactly what it includes
- Care-level, medication, transportation, and supply charges
- Deposits, entrance fees, refunds, and rate increases
- Notice periods and reasons a resident may be discharged
- Hospital-hold, temporary-absence, and move-out policies
After the tour
Write down the strongest positives, unanswered questions, and any concerns before visiting the next community. Follow up in writing so important answers are easier to compare.
- Did staff answers match what you observed?
- Were fees and care limits explained clearly?
- Would the older adult feel respected and comfortable here?
- Which claims still need independent verification?
- What must be resolved before a second visit or decision?
Primary sources
Official resources
Use these government resources to verify information and find independent help.