Questions to ask on a senior living community visit
A checklist of questions about care, safety, food, people and contracts to take with you when you visit a senior living community.
Care and safety
These questions tell you how the community responds when something goes wrong.
- How quickly does staff respond to an emergency call, day and night?
- Is a nurse on site at night, and how many caregivers cover each shift?
- How does the community handle a fall, a hospital admission or a sudden change in health?
- Who writes and reviews each resident's care plan?
Food and daily life
- Can you taste a meal, and how are special diets handled?
- What does a typical week of activities look like, and who attends?
- Can residents bring their own furniture, and can family stay over?
People
- How long have the manager and key staff been here?
- Can you speak to residents and to families of residents?
- What is the staff turnover, and how are new staff trained?
Money and contracts
- What is paid upfront, what is refundable and what is charged monthly?
- Which services cost extra, and how often do charges change?
- What are the terms if your parent decides to leave or passes away?
- Can you take the agreement away to review with a lawyer?
Before you leave
Write down how you felt in the first five minutes and the last five. Then return unannounced at a different time of day and compare.
This guide is general information for families. It is not medical, legal or financial advice; consult qualified professionals for your situation.