Questions to Ask When Touring a Community

Why Touring in Person Matters

Websites and brochures can only tell families so much about a senior living community. A brochure will highlight the newest amenities and the friendliest staff photos, but it will not show what a Tuesday afternoon actually looks like or how staff respond when something goes wrong. AARP’s caregiving guidance recommends visiting more than once, including an unscheduled visit at a different time of day, such as an evening or weekend, to see the community outside of a curated tour.

Questions About Care and Staffing

• How is a resident’s need for care assessed before move-in, and how often is it reassessed afterward?
• What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day, in the evening, and overnight?
• What is the staff turnover rate, and how are new staff trained?
• Who provides medical care, and how are medications managed?
• What happens if a resident’s care needs increase over time? Can they stay, or would they need to move to a different level of care?
• How does the staff handle a medical emergency, and is there a nurse on site or on call at all times?

Questions About Daily Life

• What does a typical day look like for a resident?
• What activities and social programs are offered, and how are they chosen?
• Can residents personalize their living space, and what furniture or items can they bring?
• How is food prepared, and can special diets be accommodated?
• How often can family members visit, and are there restrictions on visiting hours?
• How does the community handle resident complaints or concerns?

Questions Specific to Memory Care

If touring a memory care unit or community, it is worth asking additional questions, since dementia care requires specialized training and environment design. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests families ask how staff are trained specifically in dementia care, how the community manages behavioral changes without excessive use of medication, and how the physical environment is designed to reduce confusion and support safety, such as secured exits and clear layouts.

Questions About Cost and Contracts

• What is included in the base monthly fee, and what is billed separately?
• How often do fees increase, and by how much have they increased historically?
• Is there a community fee or deposit, and is any portion refundable?
• What triggers a move to a higher level of care and a higher price point?
• What is the policy if a resident needs to leave, whether by choice or due to a change in health?

Ask for the full pricing structure and contract in writing, and consider having a family member or professional review it before signing anything.

During the Visit

Beyond asking questions, pay attention to what can be observed directly: whether common areas are clean and well-maintained, whether residents appear engaged or isolated, how staff interact with residents when they are not aware they are being watched, and whether there is a noticeable odor, which can sometimes indicate hygiene or staffing issues. Talking with current residents and their family members, when possible, can offer perspective that is hard to get from staff alone.

A Note on This Information

This article is intended for general education and is not a substitute for professional guidance. Every family’s situation and priorities are different, and this list is a starting point rather than a complete checklist. Regulatory requirements and licensing vary by state, so it is worth confirming a community’s current licensing status directly with the relevant state agency.