What to Look for When Touring Senior Communities

A tour can feel like a sales pitch if you don't know what to look for. This guide helps you see past the marketing and evaluate what daily life would actually be like.

Before You Visit

Prepare questions about your loved one's specific needs:

How do you handle [their medical condition]?
What's included vs. extra cost?
What's the staff-to-resident ratio on each shift?

Visit at different times:

Schedule the official tour
Drop by unannounced during a meal or evening
Observe weekends vs. weekdays if possible

What to Observe

First impressions:

Does it smell clean (not just air freshener masking odors)?
Is it well-lit and easy to navigate?
Do residents look well-groomed and engaged?
Are common areas being used or empty?

Staff interactions:

Do staff greet residents by name?
Are they patient and warm, or rushed and task-focused?
How do they respond to confused or difficult residents?
Do they acknowledge you, or seem annoyed by visitors?

Residents:

Do they seem similar to your loved one (cognitive level, mobility)?
Are they engaged in activities or parked in front of TVs?
Can you talk to a few? What do they say about living there?

Physical environment:

Are hallways clear and well-lit?
Are handrails present throughout?
Are bathrooms accessible and equipped with grab bars?
What do the rooms/apartments look like?
Are outdoor areas safe and accessible?

Questions to Ask

Staffing:

What's your staff turnover rate?
What training do caregivers receive?
What's the ratio of staff to residents (day/evening/night)?
Who's in charge overnight and on weekends?

Care:

How do you assess and reassess care needs?
How do you handle medical emergencies?
How do you manage medications?
What happens when someone's needs exceed what you provide?

Daily life:

What does a typical day look like?
What activities are offered?
Can residents eat when they want or only at set times?
Can they personalize their rooms?
What's the guest/visitor policy?

Costs:

What's included in the base rate?
What costs extra?
How often do rates increase, and by how much historically?
What's your discharge policy?

Red Flags

Evasive answers about staffing or costs
Strong odors (urine, heavy air freshener)
Residents in soiled clothing or looking unkempt
High staff turnover or lots of agency staff
Empty common areas during activity times
Pressure to sign quickly or deposit immediately
Resistance to unscheduled visits
Unable to speak with current residents or families

After the Tour

Write down impressions immediately
Compare notes with whoever joined you
Call references (ask for families of current residents)
Check state inspection reports
Consider a second visit at a different time