Guide · 5 min read
Questions to ask on a care home tour
What actually matters to see in person, beyond the listing photos — a practical checklist for your first visit.
Before you go
Confirm the visit time in writing, and ask who you'll actually meet — an owner, a staff manager, or a caregiver. If the person moving in is able to come, bring them; a home that feels right on paper can feel very different in person, and their reaction matters more than yours.
About staffing
How many staff are on shift during the day versus overnight? Is the same staff there most days, or does it rotate through an agency? What happens if a staff member calls in sick — is there a backup plan, or does coverage thin out? A home that answers specifically and confidently is usually a good sign; vague answers are worth following up on.
About daily life
Ask to see a sample daily and weekly schedule, not just hear it described. What does a typical meal look like — is there a printed menu, and can dietary restrictions actually be accommodated, or just tolerated? Is there a private outdoor space residents actually use, or is it decorative?
About cost and contracts
What's in the base rate, and exactly what triggers an increase — a change in mobility, medication needs, or something else? Is there a written admissions agreement you can take home and read before signing? What's the policy and notice period if the resident needs to move out, whether by choice or because the home can no longer meet their needs?
About licensing and history
Ask directly for the home's license number and confirm it's current. For California-licensed homes, you can look up license status, complaint history, and inspection reports yourself through the California Department of Social Services' public facility search — a home that's comfortable with you checking is a good sign in itself.
Trust what you notice, not just what you're told
Does it smell clean? Do residents look engaged, or is a TV just running in an empty room? Do staff greet residents by name? These small, unprompted details are often more informative than anything on a tour script.