Assisted Living & Facility Tour Checklist

Assisted Living & Facility Tour Checklist

Choosing an assisted living or memory care community is a big decision. It’s easy to feel rushed or overwhelmed during tours—everything may look fine on the surface, but you need more than a quick impression.

This checklist is meant to help you ask better questions, notice important details, and compare options after you visit. You don’t have to check every box, but these prompts can help you see beyond the brochure.

1. Before you schedule a tour

Use this section to narrow down which places to visit.

  • □ Confirm they provide the level of care you need (assisted living, memory care, or both)
  • □ Ask what kinds of needs they can and cannot support (e.g., heavy medical needs, wandering, behaviors, two-person transfers)
  • □ Ask about cost structure:
    • □ Base monthly rate
    • □ Additional fees for higher levels of care
    • □ What is and isn’t included
  • □ Ask if they currently have availability or a wait list
  • □ Check if the location is realistic for family and friends to visit

Optional note area:

Notes before the tour:

2. First impressions when you arrive

Pay attention to how the place feels, not just what you’re told.

  • □ Exterior is in good repair (no obvious neglect, broken things, or trash)
  • □ Entrance area feels welcoming and calm
  • □ Halls and common areas smell clean (not strong odors or heavy cover-up scents)
  • □ Residents you see appear clean, dressed, and reasonably cared for
  • □ Staff greet you or the residents in a respectful, warm way
  • □ Noise level is comfortable (not chaotic or constantly loud)

3. Cleanliness, safety, and environment

Look for signs that everyday care and maintenance are taken seriously.

  • □ Floors, walls, and furniture are generally clean and in good condition
  • □ Handrails are present in hallways where needed
  • □ Lighting is adequate (no dark areas or burned-out bulbs)
  • □ Emergency exits are marked and not blocked
  • □ Fire extinguishers and safety equipment are visible and appear maintained
  • □ Bathrooms (resident and public) are clean and stocked
  • □ Outdoor areas (if present) are safely enclosed and well maintained
  • □ Temperature is comfortable (not too hot or too cold)

4. Staff and care

The staff can matter more than the building. Look at how they interact with residents, and ask about staffing.

  • □ Staff speak to residents respectfully (using names, not talking down)
  • □ Staff appear calm, not constantly rushed or irritated
  • □ You see staff helping residents in a gentle and supportive way
  • □ When you ask questions, staff give clear, non-defensive answers

Questions to ask (you can turn into bullets on the page):

  • □ What is the staff-to-resident ratio on days, evenings, and nights?
  • □ How do you handle medical emergencies?
  • □ Is there a nurse on-site or on-call? During what hours?
  • □ How are medications managed? (Who gives them? How are errors prevented?)
  • □ How do you communicate with families about changes or concerns?

5. Rooms and living spaces

Try to imagine your loved one actually living there day-to-day.

  • □ Resident rooms are clean and reasonably sized
  • □ There is enough room for personal furniture/decor (if allowed)
  • □ Rooms have accessible bathrooms (or nearby bathrooms)
  • □ Call buttons or ways to request help are easy to reach from bed and bathroom
  • □ Windows provide natural light
  • □ Doors, hallways, and bathrooms are accessible for walkers/wheelchairs if needed

Questions to ask:

  • □ What is included in the room (furniture, linens, etc.)?
  • □ Can residents bring their own furniture?
  • □ Are private rooms available? Shared rooms? What are the costs for each?
  • □ What happens if someone’s needs increase—do they have to move rooms or units?

6. Meals and dining

Food quality and mealtime support can greatly affect health and quality of life.

  • □ Dining areas are clean and pleasant
  • □ Residents seem to be enjoying meals and getting help if needed
  • □ Staff assist residents who have difficulty eating or using utensils

Questions to ask:

  • □ Can we see a sample menu?
  • □ How are special diets handled? (diabetic, low-sodium, texture changes, etc.)
  • □ Are snacks and drinks available between meals?
  • □ Can family join for meals occasionally? (Is there a cost?)

7. Activities, social life, and routine

Staying engaged can support mood, cognition, and overall wellbeing.

  • □ Activity calendar is visible and seems varied (not just TV)
  • □ Activities appear suitable for different ability levels
  • □ You see at least some residents participating in activities or groups
  • □ There are quiet, comfortable places for visits with family

Questions to ask:

  • □ How do you encourage residents to join activities, especially new arrivals?
  • □ Are outings offered (and how often)?
  • □ Are there options for residents who prefer smaller or quieter activities?

8. Policies, rules, and medical situations

Ask how they handle the tough stuff before it happens.

Questions to ask:

  • □ What happens if a resident’s needs increase over time?
  • □ How do you decide if someone needs a higher level of care or a different setting?
  • □ How are falls handled and documented? Are families notified?
  • □ Do you help coordinate outside services if needed (e.g., home health, hospice)?
  • □ What is your policy for residents who refuse care, wander, or show challenging behaviors?

9. Costs, contracts, and money questions

This can feel uncomfortable, but it’s important to be very clear.

  • □ Ask for a written breakdown of:
    • □ Base monthly fee
    • □ Care level charges or “points system” (if used)
    • □ Any extra fees (laundry, medications management, etc.)
  • □ Ask how often costs are reviewed or increased
  • □ Ask what happens if money runs low in the future (do they accept any subsidies, or must the resident move?)
  • □ Review the contract carefully and ask about any terms you do not understand

If possible, consider having an attorney or knowledgeable advisor review the contract before signing.

10. How does it feel in your gut?

Beyond checklists and numbers, your instincts matter.

  • □ Do you feel like the staff genuinely care about the residents?
  • □ Can you picture your loved one here—even on a bad day?
  • □ Do you feel heard when you ask questions or raise concerns?

After visiting more than one place, it can help to write down:

  • What you liked
  • What you didn’t like
  • Any red flags or concerns

This checklist doesn’t guarantee a perfect fit, but it can help you look past first impressions and ask the questions that matter. You can bring a printed version with you, or use it as a guide to make your own shorter list that fits your loved one’s needs.