Choosing a home
Questions to ask when you tour a care home
A tour is your best chance to see what daily life is really like. Bring this list, and visit at least two or three homes so you have something to compare. Try to visit once at a mealtime.
6 minute read · Updated October 13, 2026 · All guides
Care and staff
- Who is awake and on site overnight?
- How many residents does each caregiver help during the day, and at night?
- Is there a nurse, a nurse delegator, or neither? Who gives medications?
- Which languages do caregivers speak?
- How long have your caregivers worked here?
- Can you care for two person transfers, a Hoyer lift, diabetes, memory loss or hospice?
- What happens if care needs increase? When would someone have to move?
Cost and payment
- What is the monthly rate for my loved one’s care, in writing?
- What is included, and what costs extra (supplies, rides, hair care)?
- How and when do rates go up?
- Do you accept Medicaid now? If savings run out later, can they stay?
- Are you a WA Cares provider? Do you take long term care insurance or VA benefits?
- Is there a deposit, and is it refundable?
Daily life
- What does a typical day look like? Can residents keep their own routine?
- What are meals like? Can you handle special diets?
- Are there activities, outings or time outdoors?
- Can family visit any time? Can residents bring furniture or a pet?
- How do you keep families updated?
Safety and records
- When was your last DSHS inspection, and what did it find? (Read the reports yourself too. Here is how to read them.)
- Do you have a generator and an emergency plan?
- How do you prevent falls and wandering?
What to notice
- How caregivers talk to residents. Warm, patient and respectful, by name.
- How the home smells and looks. Some smell is normal; strong odors that linger are not.
- Whether residents seem engaged or are left in front of a TV.
- How quickly calls for help are answered.
Save homes as you go, then print a call list with these questions for each one.