Touring a facility is one of the best ways to evaluate it — but tours are also sales presentations. Here are questions that cut through the polish.

Staffing

1. What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day? At night?
2. How much turnover has there been among caregivers in the last year?
3. Is there a nurse on staff or on call?

Care and health

1. How do you handle a resident whose care needs increase over time?
2. What is your medication management process?
3. What happens in a medical emergency — do you call 911, and how fast?

Daily life

1. Can I see a sample activity calendar for this week?
2. How do residents get outside for fresh air or exercise?
3. What's the food like — can I try a meal during my visit?

Safety and compliance

1. Has this facility had any citations in the last two years? (You can verify the answer yourself using this site's Facility Search.)
2. What's your fall prevention protocol?
3. How do you handle residents with dementia who may wander?

Costs and contracts

1. What's included in the base rate, and what costs extra?
2. What triggers a rate increase, and how much notice do residents get?
3. What is the process and notice period if I need to move a loved one out?

Bring this list with you, take notes, and compare answers across every facility you tour — the differences tell you more than any single visit will.