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Questions to Ask During Tours

Preparing the right questions can help families better understand care environments and expectations. This guide provides a comprehensive list of questions to consider when visiting or speaking with care providers.

Why the Right Questions Matter

Touring senior care communities is an important step in understanding what type of care and environment will best meet your loved one's needs. However, it can be overwhelming. Having a list of prepared questions ensures you gather the information needed to make informed comparisons and decisions.

This guide is organized by topic to help you cover all important areas. You don't need to ask every question—focus on those most relevant to your situation. Take notes during tours and ask for clarification whenever something is unclear.

Important: This guide is educational only. ElderPath does not provide placement services or recommend specific facilities. Use these questions to gather information and make decisions with your family and healthcare providers.

Pro Tips for Tours:

  • • Bring someone with you: A second set of eyes and ears helps catch details you might miss
  • • Take photos: Ask permission to photograph common areas to help remember later
  • • Visit during meal times: See food quality and observe resident engagement
  • • Observe staff interactions: Watch how staff members interact with residents
  • • Talk to residents and families: Ask their honest opinions about living there
  • • Trust your instincts: How does the environment feel? Would your loved one be comfortable here?

Staffing and Care Support Questions

Staff quality, training, and availability directly impact the quality of care your loved one will receive.

Staffing Ratios

  • • What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day? Evening? Night?
  • • How many residents does each caregiver typically assist?
  • • Are there enough staff members available during mealtimes?
  • • Is there 24/7 staffing on-site?

Staff Training

  • • What training do staff members receive?
  • • Are staff trained in dementia care? (if applicable)
  • • How often do staff receive continuing education?
  • • Is there specialized training for behavioral issues?

Staff Consistency

  • • What is your staff turnover rate?
  • • How long have your current staff members worked here?
  • • Will my loved one have consistent caregivers?
  • • Do you use agency or temporary staff?

Licensed Professionals

  • • Is there a nurse on-site? If so, what hours?
  • • Who is responsible for medication management?
  • • What happens if medical attention is needed after hours?
  • • Do you have relationships with local healthcare providers?

Safety & Screening

  • • Do all staff undergo background checks?
  • • What is your hiring process?
  • • Are staff CPR and first aid certified?
  • • How do you ensure resident safety?

Individualized Care

  • • How do you develop individualized care plans?
  • • How often are care plans reviewed and updated?
  • • Can families participate in care planning?
  • • How do you handle changing care needs?

Safety and Emergency Procedures

Understanding how the community handles emergencies and maintains safety is critical for peace of mind.

Emergency Response

  • • What is your emergency response protocol?
  • • Do rooms have emergency call systems?
  • • How quickly can staff respond to emergencies?
  • • What happens if a resident falls or needs medical attention?
  • • Do you have an AED (defibrillator) on-site?

Fire & Disaster Plans

  • • What is your fire evacuation plan?
  • • Are there sprinkler systems throughout?
  • • How often do you conduct fire drills?
  • • What is your disaster preparedness plan?
  • • Do you have backup power generators?

Medication Safety

  • • How are medications stored and secured?
  • • Who administers medications?
  • • How do you prevent medication errors?
  • • Do you have a system for tracking medications?
  • • How do you handle pharmacy coordination?

Fall Prevention

  • • What fall prevention measures are in place?
  • • Are there grab bars in bathrooms?
  • • How are walkways and common areas designed for safety?
  • • What is your protocol if a resident falls?
  • • Do families receive fall incident reports?

Security (Memory Care)

  • • How is the memory care unit secured?
  • • What wander prevention systems do you use?
  • • Can residents go outside safely?
  • • How do you handle elopement attempts?
  • • Are exits monitored or alarmed?

Infection Control

  • • What are your infection control protocols?
  • • How do you handle illness outbreaks?
  • • What sanitation practices are in place?
  • • Do you require staff flu vaccinations?
  • • How do you communicate health concerns to families?

Daily Routines and Activities

Understanding daily life and activity programming helps determine if the environment will suit your loved one's preferences and needs.

Daily Schedule

  • • What does a typical day look like for residents?
  • • What are meal times? Are they flexible?
  • • Can residents wake up and go to bed when they choose?
  • • How structured vs. flexible is the daily routine?

Activities & Programs

  • • What types of activities do you offer?
  • • Can I see this month's activity calendar?
  • • Are activities designed for different ability levels?
  • • Do you have an activities director?
  • • Are activities optional or encouraged?

Dining Experience

  • • Can we see a sample menu?
  • • Are meals prepared on-site or delivered?
  • • Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences?
  • • Can residents eat in their rooms if they prefer?
  • • How do you assist residents who need help eating?

Outings & Transportation

  • • Do you organize outings to restaurants, events, or shopping?
  • • Is transportation provided for medical appointments?
  • • Can residents leave independently? (if applicable)
  • • Do you have accessible transportation vehicles?

Cognitive Stimulation

  • • What programs support cognitive health?
  • • Do you offer memory-enhancing activities?
  • • Are there opportunities for learning or education?
  • • Do you have music or art therapy programs?

Physical Activity

  • • What exercise or fitness programs do you offer?
  • • Is there a fitness center or exercise room?
  • • Are there walking paths or outdoor spaces?
  • • Do you offer chair exercises for those with mobility issues?

Communication and Family Involvement

Good communication between staff and families is essential for ensuring quality care and peace of mind.

Family Communication

  • • How do you keep families informed about their loved one?
  • • Who is our main point of contact?
  • • How quickly do you notify families of incidents or changes?
  • • Do you have an online portal or app for updates?
  • • Can we schedule regular care plan meetings?

Visiting Policies

  • • What are your visiting hours?
  • • Are there restrictions on visitor age (grandchildren)?
  • • Can families join for meals?
  • • Are there private spaces for family visits?
  • • Can families take residents out for outings?

Family Involvement

  • • Can families participate in activities with their loved ones?
  • • Do you have family events or support groups?
  • • How involved can families be in care decisions?
  • • Do you have a family council?

Concerns & Complaints

  • • How do you handle family concerns or complaints?
  • • Who should we contact if we have concerns?
  • • What is your grievance procedure?
  • • How do you address resident or family feedback?

Healthcare Coordination

  • • Can residents keep their current doctors?
  • • How do you coordinate medical appointments?
  • • Do you communicate with healthcare providers?
  • • How do you handle hospitalizations?
  • • Do hospice services come to the community if needed?

Technology & Amenities

  • • Is WiFi available? Is it included in the cost?
  • • Can residents have cable TV or streaming services?
  • • Can residents have cell phones or tablets?
  • • Do you use technology for care monitoring?

Financial & Contract Questions

Understanding all costs, fees, and contract terms upfront prevents surprises and helps with financial planning.

Base Costs & Fees

  • • What is the monthly cost at each care level?
  • • What services are included in the base rate?
  • • Is there a community fee or move-in deposit?
  • • Is the deposit refundable?
  • • Are there any current move-in specials?

Additional Costs

  • • What services cost extra beyond the base rate?
  • • How much do additional care services cost?
  • • Are there charges for incontinence supplies?
  • • What are the costs for specialized services (therapy, etc.)?
  • • Are utilities included or separate?

Rate Increases

  • • How often do rates typically increase?
  • • What was the rate increase over the past few years?
  • • How much notice do you give before rate increases?
  • • Can rates increase if care needs increase?

Payment & Billing

  • • When is payment due each month?
  • • What payment methods do you accept?
  • • How detailed are monthly billing statements?
  • • Can multiple family members receive billing information?

Insurance & Benefits

  • • Do you accept long-term care insurance? Which companies?
  • • Do you participate in the Assisted Living Waiver program?
  • • Do you accept veterans benefits or Aid & Attendance?
  • • Can you help with benefit applications?

Contract Terms

  • • Can we review a copy of the residency agreement?
  • • Is there a minimum length of stay required?
  • • What is your 30-day notice policy?
  • • Under what circumstances can you ask a resident to leave?
  • • What happens if a resident can no longer afford care?

Important Financial Tips:

  • • Get everything in writing: Verbal promises should be documented in the contract
  • • Have a lawyer review the contract: Elder law attorneys can identify concerning clauses
  • • Understand all costs: Don't rely on the base rate alone—ask about every possible additional charge
  • • Compare apples to apples: When comparing communities, make sure you're comparing similar services
  • • Ask for references: Talk to current residents and families about their financial experience

Educational Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only. ElderPath Care Coordination and Transitional Support does not provide placement services, does not recommend specific facilities or providers, and does not offer medical, clinical, financial, or legal advice. All care and facility decisions should be made by individuals, families, and licensed professionals based on individual circumstances and needs.

Need Support During Care Transitions?

ElderPath Care Coordination can help you navigate the process and coordinate services during transitions.

Request a Free Consultation (909) 368-1596
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