10 Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Center
Introduction
Touring an assisted living center can feel overwhelming — you’re trying to gauge not only cleanliness and safety, but also the warmth, communication, and daily experience of the residents. The right questions can help you see beyond appearances and make a confident, informed choice.
Here are 10 key questions every family should ask when visiting an assisted living community.
1. What Type of Care and Support Do You Provide?
Start by clarifying what “assisted living” means at that particular community.
Ask:
What daily tasks do caregivers assist with?
How often are nurses or med techs on site?
Can residents stay here as needs change, or will they have to move to another facility?
Look for clear, compassionate answers and flexibility in care levels.
2. What Is the Staff-to-Resident Ratio?
This is one of the best indicators of quality care. A lower ratio often means more personalized attention and faster response times.
Ask for both daytime and nighttime ratios, as they can differ significantly.
3. What Meals and Dining Options Are Offered?
Ask to see a sample menu or even dine during your tour.
Pay attention to:
Whether meals are cooked fresh on-site
Availability of vegetarian, diabetic, or other dietary options
Flexibility — can residents eat outside standard hours?
4. How Do You Handle Housekeeping and Maintenance?
You want to know what’s included and how often it’s done.
Ask:
How frequently are apartments cleaned?
Who handles maintenance requests, and how fast are they resolved?
Are there any additional fees for laundry or linen services?
5. What Is Your Approach to Resident Safety and Emergency Response?
Ask how they monitor residents’ well-being and respond to emergencies.
Examples:
Is there 24/7 staff coverage?
How are falls or medical events handled?
What security systems are in place (alarms, cameras, sign-in policies)?
This question gives insight into both the facility’s preparedness and its communication style.
6. How Are Care Plans Personalized and Updated?
Every resident should have an individualized care plan.
Ask how they:
Assess needs before move-in
Involve families in care discussions
Re-evaluate plans after health or behavior changes
You’re looking for a proactive, team-based approach rather than a “set it and forget it” system.
7. What Training Do Caregivers Receive?
Caregiver training varies widely between facilities.
Ask about:
Alzheimer’s/dementia training (especially for memory care units)
Annual refresher or continuing education programs
Background checks and hiring standards
Facilities affiliated with national organizations, such as Oakmont of the Lakes or Sunrise of Henderson, often have stronger training programs.
8. What Activities and Social Opportunities Are Offered?
Ask to see the monthly activity calendar and look for variety — exercise, creative arts, outings, and intergenerational programs.
The goal is to find a community that matches your loved one’s interests and personality.
9. What’s Included in the Monthly Fee — and What Isn’t?
Get clear on costs before signing.
Ask:
Which services are included in the base rate?
What extra fees could apply (med management, transportation, extra care)?
How often are rate increases, and how much notice is given?
Transparency here is a major trust signal.
10. How Do You Involve Families and Encourage Communication?
The best facilities make families feel welcome and informed.
Ask:
How are families updated on health or activity changes?
Are there family nights, newsletters, or care conferences?
How do you handle feedback or complaints?
Final Thoughts: Choosing with Confidence
Choosing an assisted living center is as much about connection as it is about care. The right questions uncover not just the facts, but also the values, responsiveness, and compassion of the people behind the walls.
Before touring, download or print your list of questions, and after each visit, rate your impressions in four areas:
✅ Safety & Compliance
✅ Staffing & Care Quality
✅ Quality of Life & Satisfaction
✅ Environment & Amenities
To see how Las Vegas facilities compare, visit our latest rankings:
👉 Top 5 Assisted Living Centers in Las Vegas
