9 Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
If you’re considering moving to an assisted living community, one of your first steps is to schedule a tour. This gives you a first-hand look at the lifestyle and amenities the community has to offer. While on tour, asking key questions about licensing, staff experience, housing options, costs, and resident activities can give you the information to choose a community that makes you say, “home sweet home.”
Moving to an assisted living community is a big decision, one that can feel both exciting and a bit overwhelming. You’re choosing your new home, and you want to make sure it’s got everything to support your lifestyle.
One of the first steps on your assisted living journey is to schedule a tour. It’s your chance to experience each community firsthand and see what daily life might be like before you make a concrete decision.
As you tour, knowing what to ask can help you understand which community offers the care you need, the amenities and social life that match your lifestyle, and which community truly feels like home.
Here are 9 questions to ask when touring an assisted living community:
1. How can I make this community feel like home?
Whether it’s a fuzzy blanket or a handmade lamp, your things are what help turn a house into a home.
To make your assisted living community feel like home, start by asking your tour guide about how you can personalize your place. You’ll find that many communities encourage residents to bring their own furniture, artwork, photos, small keepsakes, and pets.
Assisted living communities come in all shapes and sizes. Housing options can include studios, one- or two-bedroom apartments, and shared rooms. Additionally, assisted living community apartments come with amenities like phones, handicap accommodations, cable, full kitchens, emergency alert systems, housekeeping, and more.
Make sure you have privacy and plenty of space for your personal items. Here are some additional questions you can ask about making your apartment feel like home:
Do units have telephones, cable TV and WiFi? If so, how is the billing handled?
Do units provide a refrigerator, sink and cooking element?
Can I keep food in my apartment?
What furnishings are provided by the community?
Is smoking allowed in units or public spaces only?
Does each unit have an emergency response system?
What is the policy on holding a resident's apartment should a hospitalization occur?
What is the policy for overnight guests and visitors?
Can I keep my medications in my room?
As you tour apartments, get a feel for how you can make the space your own—can you make it cozy with your favorite chair or hang family photos on the walls? The possibilities are endless!
2. What’s a typical day like for residents?
One of the best parts about assisted living communities are the fun and engaging activities that support your well-being.
When you’re deciding on an assisted living community check out their activities calendar and talk to residents about events are popular. You might discover a new passion for painting in an art class or singing in a community chorus.
As you tour assisted living communities, talk with the activity director to get an idea of what events and activities go on each month. This is your home, so don’t be shy about voicing what you’d like to do!
3. What’s the dining experience like?
When you move to an assisted living community you want your dining experience to include comfort, choice, and maybe a sweet treat or two. When your tour takes you to the dining room, talk with the chefs about menus, ask residents what dishes their favorites are, and, most importantly, order a meal for yourself.
If you enjoy flexibility, see if you can have your meals at different times. If you’re a social eater, ask about guest dining options, so family and friends can enjoy a meal with you. Are there private dining rooms for holidays and family get-togethers?
4. How much does the community cost?
Pricing for an assisted living community depends on several factors such as location, type of room, and services provided.
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey’s latest data in 2023, the national median monthly cost for an assisted living community was $5,350. It’s important to note here that costs for assisted living are expected to increase. If we assume 5% compound inflation in 2025, that same national median cost for assisted living communities would rise to $5,676.
Communities will typically have resident agreements or contracts that define your expenses. Some communities may require you to pay an entrance or community fee along with a first and last month rent deposit while others don’t require a down payment.
As you consider assisted living options, each community should let you know about all the terms and conditions under their lease agreement, including:
All monthly fees and notice period for future changes to the fees
Who will be responsible for payment and how payments are handled
Cost for any additional or personal care services beyond the monthly fees
If any unused portion of the rent is refunded upon transfer or discharge
The Residency Agreement and the Patient's Rights and Responsibilities document.
5. How long has the community been operating?
Knowing how long an assisted living community has been operating helps you know what to expect when you move in.
New communities can offer advantages to established communities such as expanded amenities or rooms. It’s also common for a new assisted living community to advertise and enroll residents before construction of the community is complete.
When it comes to assisted living communities, though, new doesn’t necessarily mean better. New communities may not have all their operational details worked out and the staff may not have all their policies and procedures set in stone. Brand new communities can also have construction going on even after you move in which may mean some amenities are not ready.
On the other hand, established communities will have set operations and familiarity with residents. You can also ask if the community has had any recent renovations or is planning any in the near future.
6. What are residency agreements and patient’s rights and responsibilities documents?
Generally, assisted living communities have residency or occupancy agreements that outline terms of residency. These are important because they will clearly define specific living arrangements for the community.
Be sure the occupancy agreement contains your specific requests. Additionally, be sure the agreement outlines discharge criteria and other related procedures.
The Rights and Responsibilities document typically outlines how your human rights are protected by the community. Additionally, it highlights policies and procedures taken by the community to ensure your autonomy, dignity, and well-being.
7. Is the community licensed?
It’s important that the assisted living community you choose has all the necessary up-to-date licensure and permits.
License requirements for assisted living communities can vary by state, which can make selecting a community a bit confusing. As you make your list of communities, consider state licensed assisted living communities. These communities must meet at least minimum standards set forth by their state and ensure a baseline level of care and safety for residents.
8. What experience does the staff have?
The staff members at your assisted living community are an important part of your life there. They assist you with activities of daily living (ADLs), cook meals in the dining hall, and organize events.
Like licensure, requirements for staff and administrators can vary from state to state. Common hiring requirements may include:
Administrator must be at least 18 years of age
A high school diploma or equivalent
Some previous experience working in the field
Ongoing education and in-service training (6 to 40 hours per year)
You might also want to ask about staff longevity. Long-tenured staff members provide consistent care, which helps build trust and strong relationships with residents. Understanding the level of experience and education required of the staff can give you insight into the quality of care you’ll receive.
9. What safety measures are in place for residents?
Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s crucial to choose an assisted living community with staff available 24/7. Ensure that personal care attendants and clinical staff are always available to assist you with things like activities of daily living (ADLs).
Make a decision that’s right for you
As you ask questions and explore different communities, focus on what makes you feel most comfortable and cared for. During your tour, bring a friend or family member, talk with residents, and don’t be afraid to ask any questions you might have.
Need help planning for aging care?
Getting answers to all these questions from different assisted living communities can be a lot of information. Keep all those details and more in one place with our aging care checklist.
Expert reviewed by
Amy Prentzler
Amy is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years’ experience. Her career ranges from inpatient critical care, home health, hospice, long term care, pharmaceuticals, and long-term care insurance. She has a Master of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Busin...
Written by
Brian Dowd
Brian is writer based in Woods Hole, MA. He is a passionate storyteller with a knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. He joined CareScout as a Senior Content Writer in 2024. Before that, he worked as a content writer in the senior living industry and worked for several years as an a...
