All touring checklists

Touring Checklist

Assisted Living

Plan on 60–90 minutes, ideally around lunch so you can see the dining room in action. Bring this list, take notes, and try to visit your top two or three communities within the same week so the comparison is fresh.

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First impressions

The building and grounds are clean, well lit, and free of odors.
Staff greet residents by name and make eye contact.
Residents look well groomed, appropriately dressed, and engaged — not parked in front of a TV.
Common areas are actually in use.
You were shown the whole community, not just the model apartment.

Care and staffing

Ask how care needs are assessed, who does it, and how often it's repeated.
Confirm who is on duty overnight and whether a nurse is on site or on call.
Ask how medications are stored, administered, and reconciled with the pharmacy.
Ask what needs the community cannot meet, and what happens then.
Ask about staff turnover and how long the executive director and head of care have been here.

Apartments and safety

Check the bathroom: grab bars, walk-in shower, non-slip floor, emergency pull cord.
Test the call button and ask about average response time.
Look for good lighting, wide doorways, and level thresholds.
Ask about housekeeping and laundry frequency.

Dining and daily life

Eat a meal. Note the quality, choices, and whether staff know residents' preferences.
Ask for this month's activity calendar and check that events actually happened.
Ask about transportation — how often, how far, and whether it's scheduled or on demand.
Ask how the community welcomes new residents in the first month.

Before you sign

You have the full fee schedule in writing, including move-in fees and how increases work.
You have read the residency agreement and know what triggers a move-out.
You have seen the most recent state inspection report.
You know who to call with a concern, and how quickly they respond.
You have talked to at least one current resident or family member without staff present.

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