How to Tour an Assisted Living Facility: 25 Questions to Ask

Before You Tour: Set Yourself Up for Success

Schedule your tour during a meal — ideally lunch, the main meal of the day. You'll see the dining room in action, observe how staff interact with residents, and get a real sense of the community atmosphere that a quiet mid-afternoon tour won't reveal.

Bring a second person if possible. Two observers catch more than one. One person can take notes while the other asks questions and pays attention to what's happening around you.

Print or save this question list before you go. Sales staff are skilled at running polished tours — having your own agenda keeps you in control of what you learn.

Category 1: Staffing (Questions 1–6)

Staffing is the single most important variable in care quality. Ask these questions directly — vague or defensive answers are informative.

1. What is your staff-to-resident ratio during the day shift? Evening shift? Overnight?
   Ratios vary widely. More important than the number is how the staff member answers — do they know it immediately or do they need to "check"?
2. What is your staff turnover rate over the past year?
   Industry average is high. Turnover above 60% annually is a yellow flag. Above 80% is red. Low turnover means residents build real relationships with consistent caregivers.
3. How are care staff trained? Is training ongoing or just at hire?
   Look for structured ongoing training, especially in dementia care and emergency procedures.
4. Do you use agency staff? If so, how often?
   Occasional agency use is normal. Heavy reliance on agency staff means inconsistent care and unfamiliar faces for residents.
5. What happens when a caregiver calls out sick? Who covers?
   The answer reveals whether they have a genuine contingency system or just hope for the best.
6. Is there a nurse on site 24 hours, or on call?
   This varies significantly. Some communities have an RN on site around the clock; others have a nurse on call by phone overnight. Both models are legal — know which you're choosing.

Category 2: Care Services (Questions 7–12)

7. How do you assess new residents' care needs, and how often is the care plan reviewed?
   Look for a structured assessment at move-in and at least quarterly reviews — with family involvement.
8. What care needs would require a resident to move to a higher level of care or a nursing home?
   Understanding the limits prevents a painful surprise later. If they can't answer clearly, the limits are probably defined in the contract, not communicated verbally.
9. How do you handle a resident with increasing memory loss?
   If the community has a connected memory care neighborhood, transitions can happen without a full move. Ask about this specifically.
10. Can residents receive physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy on site?
    Many communities partner with therapy providers who come on site. This is a significant convenience and quality-of-care factor.
11. How is medication managed? Who administers it?
    Assisted living staff typically assist with medications but are not licensed to administer injections. Clarify how complex medication regimens are handled.
12. What happens in a medical emergency?
    Ask who calls 911, who accompanies the resident to the hospital, and how family is notified. A well-rehearsed answer is a green flag.

Category 3: Costs and Contracts (Questions 13–17)

Pricing in assisted living is notoriously opaque. These questions cut through the brochure.

13. What exactly is included in the base monthly fee?
    Get a written list. "All-inclusive" rarely means all-inclusive. Common add-ons: medication management, incontinence supplies, transportation, beauty salon, guest meals.
14. How have monthly rates increased over the past three years? What drives increases?
    Annual increases of 3–5% are common. Higher or unpredictable increases are a planning risk.
15. What is the community fee / move-in fee, and is any portion refundable?
    Move-in fees range from $500 to $5,000+. Understand what triggers a refund and under what conditions you forfeit it.
16. What happens to my loved one if they outlive their financial resources?
    Some communities accept Medicaid; most do not. Understand the policy before a financial crisis forces a move.
17. What is the move-out policy and notice requirement?
    Standard is 30 days' notice. Ask what constitutes an involuntary discharge and what appeal process exists.

Category 4: Life and Culture (Questions 18–22)

18. Can I see a copy of the monthly activity calendar?
    A full, varied calendar — not just bingo and movies — signals a community that invests in resident engagement. Ask what percentage of residents actually participate.
19. What options exist for residents who want to remain connected to their community, faith, or hobbies?
    Transportation policies, volunteer programs, and scheduled outings matter enormously for quality of life.
20. How are meals handled — assigned seating or open? What are the dining hours?
    Flexible dining hours and open seating give residents more autonomy. Rigid cafeteria-style setups can feel institutional.
21. Can I speak with a current resident family member — not someone arranged by the facility?
    A confident community will say yes. Ask if there's a Family Council and whether you can attend a meeting.
22. How are resident and family concerns handled? Who is my point of contact?
    There should be a specific person (usually a resident care coordinator or social worker) with a direct line — not just "call the front desk."

Category 5: Safety and Operations (Questions 23–25)

23. Has this community had any state citations or violations in the past two years?
    Don't rely on the facility's answer — look it up independently on your state's health department website. Most states publish inspection reports online.
24. How is the building secured? How do you manage residents who may wander?
    Keypad entry, door alarms, and secure outdoor spaces are standard safety features for communities serving residents with dementia.
25. What is the disaster/emergency plan? Have you ever had to execute it?
    Ask specifically about the most likely local risks — hurricanes, wildfires, ice storms, power outages. Familiarity with a real past event is a green flag.

Red Flags and Green Flags

After the Tour: What to Do Next

Within 24 hours, write down your impressions while they're fresh — not just what you learned, but how you felt walking the building. Compare across 3–5 communities before deciding. And look up each community's inspection history independently before signing anything.

If the search feels overwhelming, a local senior care advisor can pre-screen communities against your criteria, attend tours with you, and help interpret contracts — all at no cost. Connect with a local advisor here.