Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community (Printable Checklist)

Staffing: the questions that matter most

Staffing quality and consistency is the single greatest predictor of resident experience, yet it is also where communities are most skilled at presenting a favorable picture. Ask these questions on every tour: What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day, and how does it change overnight and on weekends? Are staff members employees or agency contractors? What is the average staff tenure — how long do care aides typically stay? What specialized training do staff members receive, particularly around dementia or behavioral support? Who is the Director of Nursing, and how long have they been in this role? High staff turnover is not always disclosed voluntarily, but a candid administrator will address it honestly. A director who deflects these questions or responds with vague reassurances is worth noting.

Care services: what is included and what costs extra

Assisted living communities typically offer a base level of care included in the monthly rate, with additional care services billed separately. Understanding this structure in advance prevents surprises. Ask: What care services are included in the base monthly rate? What triggers a care reassessment, and how often are assessments conducted? If my loved one's care needs increase, will they be able to stay here — and what would the additional cost be? Does the community have a licensed nurse on-site 24 hours a day, or on-call? What is the protocol if a resident has a medical emergency? What happens if a resident's cognitive or physical condition declines significantly — is there a point at which they would need to move to a higher level of care, and what does that transition look like?

Costs and contracts: read before you sign

Request a full, itemized rate sheet — not just the base monthly rate. Ask specifically about: move-in fees and any community fees; what triggers rate increases and how much notice the community provides; what happens to the monthly fee if a resident is hospitalized for an extended period; whether the contract is month-to-month or requires a longer commitment; and what the refund policy is if a resident moves out or passes away. Ask to review the residency agreement before the tour ends — you should have it in hand before you make any deposit. An elder law attorney can review the contract for terms that are unfavorable or unusual.

Culture and daily life: the questions that reveal character

Beyond physical care, quality of daily life matters enormously. Ask: What does a typical day look like for a resident? How are activities scheduled, and what happens if a resident does not want to participate? How are meals handled — are residents required to eat in a communal dining room, or is there flexibility? What is the policy on visitors, and are there any restrictions on visiting hours? Can residents personalize their apartments? How does the community handle residents who prefer to keep to themselves versus those who are highly social? Is there outdoor space, and is it accessible independently? If possible, arrive at a mealtime — the energy in the dining room reveals more about community culture than any tour script.

Safety and environment: what to look for beyond the lobby

The lobby and show apartments are always well-maintained. Pay attention to the parts of the building that are not on the standard tour. Ask to walk the hallways where residents actually live. Ask to see the memory care neighborhood if it is relevant. Look for: call systems in bathrooms and bedrooms; secure entrances and exits; the condition of common areas used daily; cleanliness in areas away from the main entrance. Ask about the community's most recent state inspection results — in most states, these are public record and available through your state's long-term care ombudsman or health department.

Talking to residents and families: the most honest data point

No question on a tour will give you as much information as a five-minute conversation with a current resident or a family member visiting their loved one. Ask the community whether it can connect you with a resident family willing to speak with you. Many reputable communities do this routinely. Ask those families: Were there any surprises after move-in? How does the community handle concerns or complaints? Have there been issues with staffing? Has care quality changed over time? A community confident in its care will welcome this conversation. One that discourages it is telling you something important.

After the tour: how to compare communities clearly

After visiting multiple communities, your notes will start to blur together. Before you leave each one, take ten minutes to write down three things that stood out positively and one concern. Ask for a rate sheet and residency agreement in writing. Check the community's most recent state inspection report. And if a community felt right but you are not sure why, trust that instinct enough to go back for a second visit — this time unannounced, if the community permits it. A senior living advisor can help you organize and compare your options, negotiate, and understand the contract terms. Our advisor match service at /get-matched connects you with advisors who work at no cost to families.

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Sources & references

National Center for Assisted Living. (2023). Assisted Living State Regulatory Review. ahcancal.org

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs. Administration for Community Living. acl.gov

AARP. (2024). How to Choose an Assisted Living Facility. aarp.org

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024). Nursing Home Compare. medicare.gov

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