A senior living tour can feel like a whirlwind. Use this checklist to look beyond the attractive common areas and learn what your loved one's daily life, care, and costs may actually be.
Staffing and care
- What staff members are present during the day, evening, and overnight?
- How quickly do staff usually respond when a resident requests help?
- What training do direct-care staff receive, including dementia training?
- What has staff turnover been like during the past year?
- Is a nurse on-site or on-call? During which hours?
- Who administers medications, and how are medication concerns or errors handled?
- What happens if my loved one has a medical emergency overnight?
Daily life
- May I see this week's activity calendar?
- Can we sample a meal or review a current menu?
- How do you accommodate dietary, cultural, sleep, and personal preferences?
- How often do residents have opportunities to go outdoors?
- How is transportation to appointments or activities arranged, and is there an additional charge?
Health changes and transitions
- What triggers a reassessment or change in the resident's care level?
- How are families notified about falls, medication concerns, hospital transfers, or other changes?
- Can residents remain here if their mobility, cognition, or care needs increase?
- Under what circumstances would a resident be required to move?
- How do you coordinate with physicians, pharmacies, home health, hospice, or rehabilitation providers?
Costs and contracts
- What is included in the base monthly rate?
- How are care-level fees calculated, and what services cost extra?
- Are there separate charges for medication management, transportation, supplies, or activities?
- How often have rates increased, and by how much?
- What are the move-out notice, refund, transfer, and discharge policies?
Safety, licensing, and emergency planning
- May I review the current license and recent inspection findings?
- What are your emergency evacuation, backup power, and severe-weather plans?
- How do you prevent and respond to falls, wandering, or missing-resident incidents?
- How are complaints handled, documented, and resolved?
What to observe
- Do staff greet residents respectfully and appear attentive?
- Do residents appear comfortable, clean, and engaged?
- Are the living areas clean and free of strong or persistent odors?
- If appropriate, ask whether you may speak with a resident or family member about their experience.
Take the list with you and note the answers while they are fresh. Comparing written answers across two or three communities is far more reliable than comparing impressions a week later.
Looking for More Guidance?
Every situation is different. If you have questions or would like to learn how EverCare can support you, we’d be happy to connect.
Contact UsWritten by EverCare Senior Solutions.
