10 Questions to Ask When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

1. What level of care is needed now and in the future?

Choosing an Assisted Living Facility starts with a clear picture of what the person needs help with today. A simple list works well. It can include tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, using the bathroom, walking safely, and taking medicines on time. These are often called “activities of daily living.”

Next, it helps to think ahead two to five years. Is there memory loss that may get worse? Is there a long term condition, like heart disease, diabetes, or Parkinson’s, that may increase care needs over time?

During the tour, ask the staff:

• What kinds of residents do best in this community?
• Can you support someone whose care needs increase over time?
• When would you suggest a move to a higher level of care?

The answers help families see whether a community is likely to be a short-term solution, or a place where a loved one can stay longer.

2. How does the community define assisted living and what is included?

Assisted living does not look the same in every state or community. Rules are different, and service packages vary. Because of this, Choosing an Assisted Living Facility means asking for a clear, plain definition.

Helpful questions include:

• What does “assisted living” mean in this building?
• Which services are included in the base monthly rate?
• Which services cost extra, and how much do they cost?
• How often can care plans be reviewed and adjusted?

Ask the staff to describe a typical day for a resident who needs moderate help. Learn who helps with showers, dressing, meals, and medicines, and when that support is given.

Many state health departments also share assisted living rules and inspection reports online. Families can look up communities to see how they are licensed and how they have performed in recent inspections.

3. How qualified and stable is the care team?

Caregivers and nurses shape daily life more than any building does. When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility, the kindness, training, and stability of the team matter a great deal. Families need people who know what they are doing and plan to stay.

During the visit, consider questions such as:

• What training do caregivers receive before working on their own?
• Do they receive ongoing training on dementia, safety, and falls?
• What is the staff to resident ratio during days, evenings, and nights?
• How long have most caregivers and nurses worked here?

As you walk through the building, notice how staff speak to residents. Do they use names and gentle voices? Do they kneel down to make eye contact, or talk over residents? These small signs show how residents are treated when families are not around.

For more background on what to look for in long term care, the National Institute on Aging’s page on Assisted Living and Nursing Homes offers helpful, plain language guidance.

4. How safe and clean is the building and campus?

Safety and cleanliness are basic, yet they affect every day. Families should not need to guess about them. When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility, it helps to use both eyes and nose.

During the tour, notice and ask:

• Are hallways wide and clear, with handrails and good lighting?
• Are floors even, clean, and free of clutter or cords?
• Are rooms, bathrooms, and common areas tidy and free of strong odors?
• Are exits easy to see, and are doors secure where needed?
• What is the plan for fires, power outages, storms, or other emergencies?

Ask if the community has had any serious or repeated violations on recent inspections, and how those issues were fixed. In many states, inspection reports are posted online so families can read them directly.

5. What does daily life look like for residents?

A good assisted living community should feel like a real home, not just a safe place to sleep. Daily life matters. Activities, meals, and social time help prevent loneliness and boredom.

Ask to see the monthly activity calendar and meal menus. Questions that help include:

• What activities do residents enjoy the most here?
• Is there a mix of exercise, games, crafts, music, and outings?
• Are activities adapted for people who are quiet or shy?
• Are there options for different faiths or spiritual beliefs?
• Do residents go on trips to parks, stores, or local events?

If possible, schedule a tour during a meal or group activity. Watch how many residents take part. Notice whether people look relaxed, interested, and comfortable, or bored and withdrawn.

6. How much does it cost and what is included?

Money is a major part of Choosing an Assisted Living Facility, so it is wise to discuss costs early and clearly. A written fee schedule is important. Families can review it line by line.

Key points to understand include:

• The base monthly rate for the chosen apartment type
• How care levels or “tiers” are priced and what each includes
• Extra fees for medication help, escorts to meals, or special diets
• Charges for transportation, laundry, or personal services
• How often rates are reviewed and how increases are handled

Many families are surprised to learn that Medicare usually does not pay for long term room and board in assisted living. It may pay for certain medical services, but not the housing cost itself. Other programs, such as Medicaid or veterans’ benefits, sometimes help, depending on the state and the person’s income, assets, and service history.

A clear picture of costs helps families plan ahead and avoid painful surprises later.

7. How are medical needs and emergencies handled?

Assisted living communities are not hospitals or nursing homes, but health issues still arise. When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility, families need to know how the community handles common medical needs.

Helpful questions include:

• Is there a nurse in the building at all times, or only on call?
• Who gives medicines and manages refills with the pharmacy?
• How are changes in health or behavior reported to families?
• What happens if a resident falls or gets sick at night or on weekends?
• Which hospitals, clinics, or home health agencies does the community work with?

There should be written procedures for emergencies, such as falls, chest pain, wandering, or sudden confusion. Staff members should be able to explain these steps calmly and clearly.

8. How are families involved and kept informed?

Family members play a big role in a resident’s well being. A strong assisted living community welcomes families as partners, not problems.

When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility, ask:

• How often are care plan meetings held with families?
• Who is the main contact person for questions and concerns?
• How are families notified about changes in health, mood, or behavior?
• Are there family nights, support groups, or education programs?

It also helps to ask how complaints are handled. Many states have long term care ombudsman programs that help residents and families voice concerns and work through problems in senior communities. A community that is open and confident will be willing to talk about these resources.

9. What happens if care needs change later?

Care needs almost always change over time. Planning for that change is a key part of Choosing an Assisted Living Facility. A community that fits now may not fit forever.

Questions that can guide this part of the conversation include:

• Can you care for residents with moderate memory loss or confusion?
• Can you support people who use walkers, wheelchairs, or mechanical lifts?
• When would a resident need to move to memory care or skilled nursing?
• Are higher levels of care available within the same company or campus?

Some providers offer a full “continuum of care,” with independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing in one location. For many families, this makes future moves less stressful, since the resident can stay in a familiar place with familiar staff.

A separate guide that compares all these levels of care can help families see where assisted living fits within the larger picture of senior living.

10. What should you notice during an in-person visit?

Websites and brochures tell only part of the story. Walking through the community brings the real picture into focus.

During each visit, notice:

• Are residents neat, groomed, and dressed in clean clothes?
• Do staff greet residents and visitors warmly, by name when possible?
• Do common areas feel bright, comfortable, and welcoming?
• Are there quiet spaces for rest, reading, or private talks?
• Do you hear laughter or friendly conversation during meals or activities?

If possible, visit more than once, at different times of day. A weekday morning may feel very different from a weekend evening. Paying attention to these details helps families see what life is really like.

If something does not feel right, even if it is hard to name, it is fine to keep looking at other options.