Touring senior living: a checklist
A good tour answers the questions that matter before you commit. Use this checklist to compare senior living communities on care, cost and records.
Last reviewed October 27, 2026
General information only. This guide is not medical, legal or financial advice. Talk with a physician, and with an elder-law or financial professional where money or legal papers are involved, about your own situation.
Before the visit
Write down what help the person needs today and what may change. It keeps the tour focused on fit rather than looks.
- Daily tasks the person needs help with
- Health needs, medicines and mobility
- Budget and how care will be paid for
- What matters most: location, activities, faith, food, pets
Questions about care and staff
Ask about the people who will provide care.
- How many staff are on duty during the day and overnight?
- What training do caregivers receive?
- How is a care plan made, and how often is it reviewed?
- What happens if care needs increase?
Questions about costs and the contract
Get every answer about money in writing.
- What does the monthly fee include, and what costs extra?
- How and when do fees go up?
- What are the move-out and refund rules?
- Under what circumstances could a resident be asked to leave?
What to notice on the visit
Look and listen as you walk around.
- How staff speak with residents
- Whether residents seem engaged
- Cleanliness, smells and noise
- A meal, if you can stay for one
Checking inspection records
Check the record as well as the tour. For nursing homes, Medicare's Care Compare shows inspection results and ratings. For other communities, ask to see the latest state inspection, and contact the state licensing agency or the long-term care ombudsman with questions.
Frequently asked questions
Visiting more than once, at different times of day, gives a fuller picture. A mealtime visit shows how residents and staff interact.
Yes. Ask for the contract and the fee schedule in writing and take them home to read. Some families ask an elder-law professional to review them.
For nursing homes, Medicare's Care Compare shows inspection results. For assisted living, records are kept by the state licensing agency, and the long-term care ombudsman can help with questions.
Sources
SeniorLeaf is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations listed here.