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Questions to ask

Senior Living Tour Checklist

Download a list of these questions to take with you on your visit.

Before You Tour

  • Is someone available when you call or returns your call promptly?

  • Is the person knowledgeable and able to answer questions?

  • Can you have tours on different times of the day or weekends?

  • Considered an unscheduled visit being respectful that you are entering someone’s home.

  • Review the website and look for facility activity, newsletters and calendars.

How Do You Feel When You Enter a Facility?

  • Does the facility feel homey or institutional?

  • Is there age-appropriate furniture?

  • Are the smells pleasant, not institutional?

  • Is the building and surroundings well-maintained

  • What do you hear, other residents visiting, staff communicating, soft music?

  • Are common areas inviting.

How Do Apartments Feel?

  • Tasteful, clean, updated and well maintained?

  • Are there windows and soft lighting?

  • Do you bring furniture or are apartments fully furnished?

How Do the Residents Look?

  • As you pass by, do they look well-groomed and dressed? Do they look pleasant and alert?

  • A resident or two might notice your unfamiliar face, give you a friendly wave and say hi. Feel free to strike up a conversation and ask how they like living there.

Pay Attention To Staff Members.

  • Does staff smile and great you?

  • Do staff members greet other residents by name and speak respectfully?

  • Do staff members knock before entering an apartment?

  • What is the staff to resident ratio?

  • Are there signs that the facility is short-staffed?

What Is Dining Like?

  • Proper dishes rather than plastic silverware and plates?

  • A pleasant aroma that smells like appetizing food?

  • Ask what menu options and mealtimes are available.

Is the Level of Care Offered Right for Your Loved One?

  • Make sure your loved one undergoes a functional status assessment to determine level of care.

  • A comprehensive care plan outlines both personal preferences, such as when the resident prefers to have their shower, and clinical progress and mobility evaluation.

  • Is there a “no lift” policy; if so, what does it mean?

  • A tour should take about an hour depending on how large the facility is and the questions you ask.

Is the Community Transparent About Cost?

  • Ask for a clear, written outline of pricing, what is considered an add-on.

  • Ask about annual increases, billing practices or late fees.

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