Assisted Living Tour Checklist: What to Look For

Choosing an assisted living community for your loved one is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The right facility can mean the difference between a parent who thrives and one who merely exists.

But how do you know what to look for? Use this assisted living tour checklist to evaluate any community you visit, from large corporate facilities to small residential homes.

This guide covers exactly what to observe, what questions to ask, and what red flags to watch for when touring assisted living communities.

Before the Tour: Questions to Prepare

Before you schedule your first tour, spend a few minutes thinking about your loved one's specific needs:

Medical needs: Do they take multiple medications? Need mobility assistance? Have memory concerns?
Social preferences: Are they outgoing or more private? Do they enjoy group activities or prefer quiet time?
Daily routines: Are they early risers or night owls? Do they have specific dietary needs or preferences?
Location: How far are family members willing to travel for regular visits?

Having these answers ready will help you evaluate each facility against your actual requirements, not just what looks nice on a brochure.

During the Tour: What to Observe

The Staff

Pay attention to how staff interact with residents, not with you.

Do caregivers know residents by name, or do they seem unfamiliar?
Is there warmth in their interactions, or does it feel transactional?
When a resident needs help, how quickly does someone respond?
Ask about staff turnover. High turnover often signals problems.

Red flag: If staff seem rushed, stressed, or unable to engage with residents beyond basic tasks, that's a concern.

The Residents

Look at the people who actually live there.

Do residents seem engaged and alert, or sedated and withdrawn?
Are they dressed appropriately and well-groomed?
Are people out in common areas, or is everyone isolated in their rooms?
If possible, ask a resident or family member about their experience.

Red flag: If no one will let you speak privately with current residents or families, ask why.

The Environment

Trust your senses.

Smell: Does it smell clean, or is there a lingering odor of urine or heavy air freshener (which often masks problems)?
Sound: Is it calm and peaceful, or chaotic and noisy?
Cleanliness: Look at corners, bathrooms, and less-traveled areas, not just the lobby.
Safety: Are there handrails, non-slip floors, and clear pathways?

Red flag: A tour that only shows you specific areas might be hiding something in the rest of the building.

Questions to Ask

About Care

What is your staff-to-resident ratio during the day? At night?
How do you handle medication management?
What happens if my parent's care needs increase?
How do you communicate with families about changes in condition?
Do you have experience with [specific condition: dementia, diabetes, mobility issues]?

About Daily Life

What does a typical day look like for residents?
How are meals prepared? Can I see a sample menu?
What activities are offered? Can residents opt out if they prefer quiet time?
How do you handle transportation to medical appointments?

About Costs and Policies

What is included in the monthly rate? What costs extra?
How often do rates increase, and by how much typically?
What is your discharge policy? Under what circumstances would a resident need to leave?
Do you accept Medicaid? Are Medicaid beds limited?

Small-Home vs. Large Facility: What's Different

When touring, you'll likely notice a significant difference between small residential assisted living homes (8-16 beds) and large facilities (50+ beds).

Large facilities often have more amenities: swimming pools, beauty salons, elaborate dining rooms. But that comes with trade-offs. More residents competing for staff attention, more institutional policies, and less flexibility.

Small homes feel more like actual homes. Meals are cooked in a real kitchen. Staff know every resident personally. Care can be adapted to individual preferences without layers of bureaucracy.

Neither is inherently better. It depends on what matters most to your family. But if your parent values personal connection over amenities, a smaller setting might be worth considering.

After the Assisted Living Tour: Evaluating Your Options

After each tour, take a few minutes to write down your impressions while they're fresh:

What stood out positively?
What concerned you?
Could you picture your loved one living there?
How did the staff treat you, and more importantly, how did they treat residents?

If possible, return for a second visit at a different time of day. Some facilities show very differently during evenings or weekends when fewer administrators are around.

Trust Your Instincts

You know your parent better than any facility administrator. If something feels off, even if you can't pinpoint why, trust that feeling. The right place should give you a sense of relief, not lingering unease.

And remember: you can always visit again, ask more questions, and take your time. This decision matters, and good facilities understand that.

Schedule a Tour

Now that you have your assisted living tour checklist, put it to use. If you are searching for care in northeastern Colorado, see our guide to senior living options near Fort Morgan for a closer look at what's available in the I-76 corridor.

Your Home Senior Living operates small assisted living homes in Keenesburg and Wiggins, Colorado. Charleston at Keenesburg is licensed and serving residents today. Your Home Wiggins will offer 10 private and shared suites (up to 14 beds) with home-cooked meals, medication management, and 24/7 caregivers once CDPHE licensure is granted.

Call us at (970) 500-8612 or fill out our contact form to schedule a tour or learn about founding-resident pricing.

Your Home Wiggins is completing the CDPHE Assisted Living Residence licensing process. Tours and refundable deposits are available now. Assisted living services will begin once licensure is granted.