50+ Questions to Ask When Touring a Facility
A facility tour can feel overwhelming. This organized checklist ensures you ask the questions that matter most â the ones that reveal the true quality of care behind the marketing brochure.
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Tour Tips
- Visit at different times of day â mornings, evenings, and weekends tell different stories
- Ask to eat a meal there. The dining experience reveals a lot about daily life
- Talk to current residents and their families if possible
- Make at least one unannounced visit before making a decision
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is
Questions by Category
Staffing & Care Quality
What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day? At night? On weekends?
What training and certifications are required for care staff?
What is the staff turnover rate? How long has the average caregiver been here?
Is there a registered nurse (RN) on-site 24/7, or only during business hours?
How does the facility handle staffing shortages or call-outs?
Are the same caregivers assigned to the same residents consistently?
What is the process for a family to raise a concern about care quality?
Can I see the most recent state inspection report?
Costs & Financial Transparency
What is the all-in monthly cost, including all fees? (Get this in writing)
What services are included in the base rate vs. charged as add-ons?
How often do rates increase, and what has the average annual increase been?
Is there a community fee, move-in fee, or deposit? Is any of it refundable?
What happens financially if my parent needs a higher level of care?
Are there additional charges for medication management, incontinence care, or mobility assistance?
What is the billing cycle and payment policy? Are there late fees?
Does the facility accept Medicaid, VA benefits, or long-term care insurance?
What is the discharge/move-out policy? How much notice is required, and is any portion of the month refunded?
Safety & Security
What emergency call systems are available in rooms and common areas?
What is the procedure when a resident falls or has a medical emergency?
Are there fire sprinklers and smoke detectors in every room?
How is the building secured? Are exits monitored?
For memory care: what wander-prevention systems are in place?
Is there an emergency generator for power outages?
What is the natural disaster/evacuation plan?
Are hallways well-lit and free of tripping hazards?
Medical Care & Health Services
How are medications managed, stored, and administered?
Is there a physician or nurse practitioner who visits regularly?
How are medical emergencies handled after hours?
Can residents keep their current doctors, or must they switch?
Are therapy services (physical, occupational, speech) available on-site?
How does the facility coordinate with hospitals and specialists?
What is the process for updating a care plan as needs change?
How are families notified of health changes or incidents?
Daily Life & Activities
Can I see a sample weekly activity calendar?
Are there activities for different ability levels, including those with limited mobility?
What opportunities exist for socializing, exercise, and intellectual stimulation?
Is there outdoor space accessible to residents?
Are there regular outings or field trips?
Is there a resident council or a way for residents to provide input?
What religious or spiritual services are available?
Can residents personalize their rooms with their own furniture and belongings?
Food & Dining
Can I eat a meal here during my visit? (This tells you everything)
How many meal options are available at each meal?
Can the kitchen accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, or preferences?
What are the dining hours? Are flexible meal times available?
Are snacks and beverages available between meals?
Can family members join for meals? What is the guest meal cost?
Is room service or in-room dining available for residents who are unwell?
Policies & Contract Terms
What is the length of the contract? Is there a minimum stay requirement?
Under what circumstances can the facility discharge a resident?
What is the grievance/complaint process?
What is the policy on visitors? Are there restricted hours?
Can couples share a room, even if they have different care needs?
What is the pet policy?
What is the policy on bringing personal furniture, TV, and other belongings?
Is renter's insurance required?
What happens if a resident runs out of money? Is there a Medicaid bed conversion option?
What to Observe (Not Just Ask)
Some of the most important information comes from what you see, hear, and smell during your visit â not from the answers to your questions.
Resident Engagement
- Are residents engaged in activities, or sitting alone staring at walls?
- Do residents appear clean, well-groomed, and appropriately dressed?
- Do residents seem content and comfortable?
- Is there natural conversation and laughter, or is it eerily quiet?
Staff Behavior
- Do staff members greet residents by name?
- Are staff interactions warm and patient, or rushed and impersonal?
- How quickly do staff respond to call lights or requests?
- Do staff seem overwhelmed, or are they calm and attentive?
Cleanliness & Environment
- Does the facility smell clean? (A strong chemical smell may be masking problems)
- Are common areas, hallways, and restrooms clean and well-maintained?
- Is the building in good repair? Check for peeling paint, broken fixtures, stained carpets
- Is the temperature comfortable throughout the building?
Overall Feel
- Would you feel comfortable leaving your parent here?
- Does it feel like a home or an institution?
- Are you being shown only the best parts, or given full access?
- Do you feel pressured to sign or deposit today? (Red flag)
Red Flags During a Tour
If you notice any of these, proceed with extreme caution or eliminate the facility.
Strong, persistent odors (urine, feces, or heavy chemical cleaners masking them)
Residents appear unkempt, unwashed, or wearing soiled clothing
Staff seem irritated, dismissive, or are yelling at residents
You are not allowed to see certain areas or rooms
High-pressure sales tactics or demands for an immediate deposit
Evasive or vague answers to direct questions, especially about costs
Call lights going unanswered for extended periods
Very few residents in common areas during normal hours
Facility will not provide a copy of the contract to review at home
Recent state inspection violations that have not been corrected
After the Tour
Write down your impressions immediately
Details fade quickly. Note your gut feelings, standout positives, and any concerns while they are fresh.
Compare facilities side by side
Use a spreadsheet or our comparison tool to evaluate facilities on the same criteria: cost, staffing, activities, food, and overall feel.
Make an unannounced return visit
Visit the top contenders without an appointment. See how the facility operates on a regular day. Try visiting at a different time than your first tour.
Check state inspection records
Look up the facility's inspection history, violations, and complaint records through your state's health department website.
Have a family discussion
Share your findings with family members. If your parent visited, ask how they felt about each place. Their comfort and preference matter enormously.
Compare Facilities & Calculate Costs
Use our free tools to compare care types, estimate costs in your area, and assess what level of care your loved one needs.