Senior Living Community Touring Checklist

Cleanliness: Is the community clean, well-maintained, and free of odors?

Atmosphere: Does it feel welcoming, homelike, and comfortable?

Temperature: Is the building at a comfortable temperature?

Lighting: Are common areas and hallways well-lit?

Noise level: Is it reasonably quiet or uncomfortably loud?

Décor: Is it tasteful, age-appropriate, and well-maintained?

Outdoor spaces: Are there accessible patios, gardens, or walking paths?

Staff-to-resident ratio: What is the ratio during day, evening, and night shifts?

Staff interactions: Do staff members greet residents warmly and by name?

Staff demeanor: Are staff members patient, respectful, and attentive?

Training & qualifications: What training do staff receive? Are they certified?

Turnover rate: How long do staff members typically stay? (High turnover is a red flag)

Background checks: Are criminal background checks conducted on all staff?

24/7 staffing: Is there staff on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

RN/LPN availability: Is a licensed nurse on-site? What hours?

Care assessment: How is the initial care assessment conducted?

Care plans: Are individualized care plans created and regularly updated?

Medication management: How are medications stored, administered, and tracked?

Medical services: Is there a doctor on-call? How are medical emergencies handled?

Therapy services: Are physical, occupational, or speech therapy available?

Memory care: If needed, is specialized memory care available? What does it include?

Hospice care: Can residents receive hospice care on-site if needed?

Personal care assistance: What help is provided with bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility?

Emergency call systems: Are there call buttons in rooms and bathrooms?

Fire safety: Are there sprinklers, smoke detectors, and clearly marked exits?

Emergency procedures: What is the evacuation plan? How often are drills conducted?

Fall prevention: Are hallways clear? Are grab bars installed in bathrooms?

Secure entry: Is the building secure? How is visitor access controlled?

Wandering prevention: For memory care, are there secure outdoor areas and door alarms?

Licensing & inspections: Is the community licensed? Can you see recent inspection reports?

Insurance: What liability insurance does the community carry?

Room size & layout: Are rooms spacious enough? Can residents bring their own furniture?

Private bathrooms: Does each room have a private bathroom with shower?

Storage: Is there adequate closet and storage space?

Climate control: Can residents control temperature in their own rooms?

Accessibility: Are rooms wheelchair accessible? Are doorways wide enough?

Common areas: Are there comfortable lounges, libraries, activity rooms?

Amenities: What amenities are available? (Salon, chapel, fitness center, theater, etc.)

Pets: Are pets allowed? Are there restrictions on size or type?

Activity calendar: Can you see the monthly activity calendar? Is it varied and engaging?

Resident participation: Are residents actively participating in activities during your visit?

Activity director: Is there a full-time activities director on staff?

Variety: Are there physical, mental, social, and creative activities?

Outings: Are there regular outings to restaurants, theaters, or local attractions?

Religious services: Are religious services or spiritual support available?

Resident council: Is there a resident council where residents can voice concerns?

Family involvement: Are families encouraged to participate in activities and events?

Meal quality: Can you sample a meal? Does the food look and smell appetizing?

Menu variety: Are there choices at each meal? Can you see a sample menu?

Special diets: Can the kitchen accommodate dietary restrictions (diabetic, low-sodium, vegetarian)?

Dining atmosphere: Is the dining room pleasant? Do residents seem to enjoy meals?

Meal times: Are meal times flexible? Can residents eat in their rooms if preferred?

Snacks: Are snacks and beverages available between meals?

Dining assistance: Do staff members help residents who need assistance eating?

Dietitian: Is a registered dietitian on staff or available for consultation?

Base monthly cost: What is included in the base rate? (Room, meals, utilities, activities)

Additional fees: What services cost extra? (Personal care, medication management, laundry)

Fee increases: How often do fees increase? What is the typical percentage?

Move-in costs: Is there a community fee or deposit? Is it refundable?

Payment options: What payment methods are accepted? Is financial assistance available?

Medicaid acceptance: Does the community accept Medicaid? Are there limitations?

Itemized costs: Can you get a written, itemized breakdown of all costs?

Billing transparency: How are monthly bills presented? Are they easy to understand?

Contract review: Can you take the contract home to review with a lawyer or family?

Move-out policy: What is the notice period required to move out? Are there penalties?

Discharge policy: Under what circumstances can a resident be asked to leave?

Visiting hours: Can family visit anytime? Are there restrictions?

Resident rights: Are resident rights clearly posted and explained?

Complaint process: How are complaints handled? Is there a formal grievance procedure?

Refund policy: If a resident passes away or moves out early, is there a refund?

Transportation: Is transportation provided for medical appointments and errands?