8 Questions to Ask When Touring Assisted Living Facilities

When choosing an assisted living facility, visiting in person is essential to assess the environment, staff, and services. Here are the 8 key questions you should ask during your tour:

1. Care Services: What levels of care are offered, and how are they structured?
2. Staff Ratios: What is the staff-to-resident ratio, and how are staff trained?
3. Daily Activities: What types of activities are available, and how are they tailored to residents?
4. Costs: What is included in the pricing, and are there additional fees?
5. Emergency Preparedness: What are the facility’s safety measures and emergency plans?
6. Medical Services: What on-site medical care and medication management are available?
7. Visitation Rules: What are the visiting hours and policies for family members?
8. Transition Support: How does the facility help new residents adjust?

Quick Overview

• Care Levels: Tiered options based on needs (e.g., minimal to comprehensive care).
• Costs: Average monthly rates range from $4,700 to $5,900 in Florida for 2025.
• Activities: Physical, creative, social, and educational programs are standard.
• Emergency Plans: Backup power, regular drills, and staff training are critical.

Ask these questions to ensure the facility meets your loved one’s current and future needs. Take notes, compare options, and prioritize transparency and staff engagement during your visits.

7 Questions to Ask When Touring a Senior Living Community

Care Levels and Services

Understanding the different care levels and services available is crucial. Facilities organize their care levels in various ways, which can influence both the quality of care provided and the associated costs.

Care Level Options

Facilities typically offer tiered care options based on the level of help needed with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) – such as bathing, dressing, and managing medications.

Here’s a common three-tier care structure:

This structure helps families evaluate how well a facility’s services align with their loved one’s current and future needs.

"Each community structures their care levels and pricing differently, but they are quite clear about it", explains Maureen Bradley from A Place for Mom. "The overall aim of assisted living is to encourage residents to do things on their own as long as they can to preserve health and independence."

Evaluating Care Services

When assessing care options, consider both current and potential future needs. Below are the nationwide median monthly costs for different levels of care:

• Low-care needs: $519
• Medium-care needs: $1,250
• High-care needs: $2,235
• Medication management: $500

Lisa Perla, RN, highlights the importance of safety: "Can we safely care for this person?" Safety is always the top priority.

"It is important that family participates in their loved one’s care planning. Families are their loved one’s best advocate and can share valuable insights and perspectives. It is our job to anticipate and prevent adverse health events rather than waiting and reacting. We are your partner in your loved one’s care."

When evaluating a facility, ask about care plan reviews, which services are included, and how additional needs might affect costs. Facilities are required to provide 30 days’ written notice before any rate increases.

Finally, examine staffing levels and daily interactions to ensure the facility can deliver the care your loved one requires.

Staff-to-Resident Numbers

Staff-to-resident ratios play a key role in the level of care residents receive. When evaluating a facility, it’s important to consider both local and federal guidelines for staffing.

Staff Ratio Basics

The required staff-to-resident ratio depends on the residents’ needs and the time of day. For example, Maine mandates a ratio of 1:5 during the day, 1:10 in the evening, and 1:15 overnight. In Florida, facilities must have at least one CNA for every 20 residents and one LPN for every 40 residents. These are baseline requirements, and better facilities often go beyond them to provide more individualized care.

Federal regulations require nursing staff to be available 24/7, including a registered nurse on duty for at least eight consecutive hours each day. This ensures residents’ safety and well-being.

Warning Signs

Staffing numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. Observing how staff operate day-to-day can reveal potential issues.

"I have worked in places where the executive director will step down from her front office and she will care for people. When you see people who are in director positions who are willing and frequently do that, then that’s a good sign that they really do care about their residents. As long as the facility has a plan in place to keep the residents safe, that’s the biggest thing."

Here are some key factors to watch for:

• Staff Training: Ask about the training provided, both initially and ongoing, especially for areas like memory care and mobility assistance.
• Emergency Coverage: Find out if the facility has backup plans for staffing during emergencies like severe weather or illness outbreaks.
• Staff Turnover: High turnover rates can indicate deeper problems with management or workplace conditions.

A reliable facility should openly share staffing details and have systems in place to address challenges while ensuring residents receive consistent, high-quality care.

Daily Activities and Features

Once you’ve reviewed care services and staffing, take a closer look at how daily activities contribute to residents’ engagement and overall well-being. A well-rounded activity program can help maintain both physical and mental health.

Activity Types

A 2018 study by U.T. Southwestern revealed that seniors who participated in ballroom dancing for 30 minutes three times a week experienced improved spatial memory and better brain connectivity [7].

Most modern assisted living communities offer a range of activities, including:

• Physical Activities: Options like water aerobics, yoga, dance classes, and walking clubs help residents stay active.
• Artistic and Creative Options: Art workshops, music programs, and craft sessions encourage self-expression.
• Social Opportunities: Card games, movie nights, and holiday events foster connections among residents.
• Educational Activities: Language classes, technology workshops, and book clubs provide mental stimulation.
• Cultural Outings: Trips to museums, concerts, and theater performances bring variety to daily routines.
• Relaxation and Wellness: Spa treatments, meditation, and therapeutic sessions support relaxation and comfort.

Finding the Right Fit

When assessing an activities program, keep these key factors in mind:

1. Program Variety
   Look for a range of activities that cater to different interests and abilities. Request a sample monthly calendar to see what’s offered.
2. Resident Preferences
   Ask how the facility gathers and incorporates resident feedback into activity planning.
3. Qualified Leadership
   Find out about the qualifications and experience of the activities director.

Take time to observe programs in action. Pay attention to how residents are engaged, whether the schedule is clear and consistent, and if transportation for off-site activities is available. These details can provide valuable insights into the community’s daily life and overall atmosphere.

Pricing and Included Services

When exploring assisted living options, understanding the costs involved is essential. Assisted living expenses typically include a base fee along with additional charges for extra services. In 2025, monthly costs in Florida range between $4,700 and $5,900.

Pricing Models

Assisted living facilities generally follow one of two pricing structures:

All-Inclusive Rate
This model includes most core services under a single monthly fee, such as:

• Housing and utilities
• Help with daily activities
• Meals and dining services
• Housekeeping and maintenance
• Standard social activities

Tiered Pricing
This approach adjusts costs based on the level of care required. A nurse conducts an initial assessment and a follow-up evaluation about 30 days after move-in to determine the appropriate care level.

"There are two basic factors that dictate what an assisted living community will cost. The apartment itself – whether it’s a studio or a two-bedroom – and the additional care fees. It’s not uncommon for families to underestimate how much assistance their loved one requires, whether it’s help with medication or showering, or remembering to eat." – Niki Gewirtz, A Place for Mom

To get a sense of local pricing, here are average monthly rates for key Florida cities in 2025:

Additional Costs

In addition to base rates, be sure to check for extra charges.

Care-Related Fees

• Medication management
• Special dietary accommodations
• Extra personal assistance
• Coordination for physical therapy

Amenity Fees

• Transportation for medical appointments
• Participation in premium activities
• Private dining services
• Meals for guests

"Families are sometimes surprised by charges they weren’t expecting. It’s important to understand your loved one’s assistance needs and that they can change over time. Someone who didn’t need much help in the beginning may get injured and need more help for a short period of time. The community will charge more for providing more assistance during that period. But the fees weren’t hidden." – Niki Gewirtz, A Place for Mom

Luxury assisted living communities, which offer higher-end amenities and services, can cost between $10,000 and $15,000 per month. Always request a detailed breakdown of charges and clarify policies on rate increases or changes in care needs.

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Emergency Plans and Safety

CMS requires long-term care facilities to maintain written disaster plans.

Safety Requirements

Assisted living facilities need reliable emergency systems in place. Here are some key features to evaluate:

• Power Backup Systems: Facilities must have backup power to support critical systems. Many have upgraded their generators to ensure safety and comfort during power outages.
• Essential Systems Coverage: Backup power should support critical functions like emergency lighting, communication tools, and vital medical devices.

"With so much on the line, it’s vital assisted living centers work with experts who understand the current and future needs, the rules and regulations, and can then design practical on-site generation solutions that keep the residents the top priority."
– Keith Findley, Power Solutions Manager, EVAPAR

When assessing a facility, ask about their backup power capabilities and how long critical systems can operate during an outage. Also, ensure staff readiness by confirming regular emergency response training.

Emergency Response Training

Prepared personnel are just as important as reliable equipment. Facilities should hold frequent emergency drills and update their response protocols to stay prepared.

"Without proper measures, emergency response can fail, endangering residents and tarnishing the facility’s reputation."
– Eric R. Alberts, Corporate Director of Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Management at Orlando Health

Well-trained staff ensures residents receive the care they need during emergencies.

Questions to Consider:

• How often are emergency plans reviewed and updated?
• Does the facility coordinate with local emergency services?
• How are residents with mobility challenges evacuated?
• What communication methods are used during emergencies?

Facilities should also conduct hazard vulnerability analyses to identify and prepare for potential risks. Review the facility’s emergency procedures and ask about the results of their most recent drills to confirm they’re ready to handle unexpected events.

Medical Care Access

Medical Services List

Understanding the medical services available is crucial when visiting assisted living facilities. According to recent data, 96% of residential care facilities offer basic health monitoring like blood pressure and weight checks. Common medical services include:

• Monitoring of blood pressure and vital signs
• Regular weight checks and health evaluations
• Skilled nursing care (available in 39% of facilities)
• Physical therapy (offered in 44% of facilities)
• Occupational therapy (provided in 40% of facilities)

Most facilities develop individualized service plans (ISPs), which are tailored to each resident’s needs and reviewed regularly by care coordinators. Key questions to ask include:

• Are registered nurses available around the clock?
• What on-site specialized services are offered?
• How frequently are health assessments conducted?
• Is transportation provided for off-site medical appointments?

In addition to these services, managing medications effectively is critical for maintaining residents’ health.

Medicine Management

Medication management is a core service, with 85% of residents requiring help in this area. Facilities generally adhere to the "seven rights" of medication administration:

A well-organized medication management system is essential for resident safety. These systems often involve physicians, registered nurses, and other health professionals. Facilities commonly use electronic health records, secure storage for medications, and regular reordering procedures. Monitoring for side effects, drug interactions, and allergies is also a priority.

"Medication management is one of the key services provided in assisted living communities." – Marlena del Hierro

When reviewing a facility’s medication management practices, ask about their protocols for storage and security, staff training, communication with physicians, handling medication changes, emergency access, and documentation. Effective management goes beyond basic administration – it should include strategies to prevent issues like overdoses and ensure medications are working as intended.

Family Visit Rules

Visit Hours

Assisted living facilities generally provide flexible visiting hours to help residents stay connected with loved ones. Most facilities allow visits between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., though some may have longer or more flexible schedules. When visiting or touring a facility, consider asking about:

• Regular visiting hours, seasonal adjustments, and accommodations for out-of-town visitors
• Sign-in procedures and visitor log requirements
• Health and safety protocols, especially for first-time visitors

Facilities may set limits on visitation, such as specific hours, the number of visitors allowed, or designated visiting areas, to ensure residents’ privacy and maintain daily routines. However, immediate family members are typically granted more access, as determined by the resident’s care team.

It’s also a good idea to review overnight stay policies if extended visits are part of your plans.

Overnight Stays

Overnight visitation policies are especially important for families traveling from afar. Florida Statute 400.022(b) ensures residents can leave the facility overnight without losing their bed status.

Here are some key points to clarify:

Make sure to discuss:

• Policies for accommodating overnight guests within the facility
• Medical clearance processes for overnight stays outside the facility
• Coordination with staff for planned absences
• Any restrictions during holidays or special events

Facilities aim to support family connections while ensuring residents receive proper care and routines run smoothly. Policies may differ, but many facilities work to make visitation as convenient as possible.

New Resident Support

Welcome Programs

Transitioning to assisted living is a big life change, and the right support can make all the difference. When visiting potential facilities, ask about the programs they offer to help new residents settle in.

Many facilities provide structured welcome programs, often featuring:

Most programs follow a 30-day plan, with weekly goals to help residents feel at home.

"Remember, new residents have to navigate a new physical space, figure out meal times, make friends/find someone to have meals with, know where all the activities are taking place, know how to sign up for transportation or salon services, and so forth. It’s a lot of change and a lot to keep track of and remember."

Some facilities also offer trial periods to help seniors determine if the community is the right fit.

Trial Period Options

Trial stays let seniors experience daily life in the facility before committing. When evaluating these options, consider the length of the trial, costs, included services, and how the facility gathers feedback during the stay.

Trial periods provide valuable insight into the community, easing the transition and reducing stress. During your visit, ask how the facility handles trial stays and supports residents during this period.

"Ensuring a smooth transition is an essential key to winning management and happy residents. It’s also part of your marketing since word of mouth, not only from your residents, but also from their families is indeed your most effective advertising."

Look for facilities that offer flexible trial arrangements and thorough support programs. Together, these efforts create a smoother transition into assisted living.

Making Your Choice

Main Points Review

Now that you’ve gathered answers to the eight key questions during your facility tours, it’s time to assess your findings in an organized way. You’ve collected detailed responses – now see how they match up with what you observed during your visits.

Compare your findings across these categories to identify any gaps or concerns.

Finding Facilities

Once you’ve reviewed your notes, focus on these practical signs of quality care:

• Staff Engagement: Pay attention to how staff interact with residents. Positive, unsolicited remarks from residents can be a strong indicator of satisfaction.
• Facility Behavior: Dr. Gary Small, Chair of Psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center, advises:

  "If you find they are unwilling to answer questions or they behave rudely, consider going elsewhere".

To confirm your impressions, schedule a second tour at a different time. During this visit, observe:

• Resident participation in activities
• How quickly staff respond to needs
• Results of state surveys
• Dining experiences
• Overall cleanliness

The right facility should be transparent, show clear signs of resident satisfaction, and provide care tailored to your loved one’s specific needs.