25 Questions to Ask When Touring a Long-Term Care Home

Come Prepared, Leave Confident

Touring a long-term care home can feel overwhelming. There's so much to take in — the sights, the sounds, the smells — that it's easy to walk out without the information you actually need to make a decision.

The solution: come with a list. These 25 questions cover the areas that matter most for your loved one's quality of life and your family's peace of mind.

Staffing & Care Quality

1. What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day? At night?

This is the single most important question. Higher ratios mean more individual attention. Ask specifically about PSW (Personal Support Worker) ratios, not just total staff.

2. Are PSWs assigned to the same residents consistently?

Consistent assignment means staff know your loved one's preferences, habits, and baseline — making it easier to spot changes. Rotating assignments are a red flag for quality of relationship-based care.

3. What is your staff turnover rate?

High turnover (above 30% annually) disrupts continuity of care and may indicate workplace problems.

4. How are overnight emergencies handled?

Is there a registered nurse on-site 24/7, or only on-call? Who responds first if your loved one presses the call bell at 3 AM?

5. What specialized training does staff receive for dementia care?

If your loved one has cognitive decline, the staff's training in dementia-specific approaches matters enormously.

Safety & Medical Care

6. How are falls prevented and managed?

Ask about fall risk assessments, environmental modifications, and how families are notified when a fall occurs.

7. How is medication managed?

Who administers medications? How are errors prevented? How are medication changes communicated to families?

8. What happens if my loved one's health declines significantly?

Can they receive palliative or end-of-life care in the home, or would they need to transfer?

9. How are infections prevented and managed?

Ask about hand hygiene protocols, outbreak management procedures, and vaccination policies.

10. Is there an on-site physician? How often do they visit?

Some homes have a medical director who visits weekly; others rely on residents' existing family doctors.

Daily Life & Activities

11. What does a typical day look like for a resident?

Ask to see a sample weekly activity calendar. Look for variety — physical, social, creative, spiritual, and outdoor activities.

12. Are activities adapted for residents with different ability levels?

A home that only offers group activities in the common room isn't serving residents who have mobility limitations or cognitive challenges.

13. Can residents maintain their own daily routines?

Can they sleep in? Eat when they're hungry? Take a bath instead of a shower? Flexibility signals person-centred care.

14. Is there outdoor space, and can residents access it freely?

Access to fresh air and nature has a measurable impact on wellbeing. Secure outdoor spaces are essential for residents with dementia.

15. Are pets allowed to visit?

Pet visits can be profoundly therapeutic, especially for residents who had pets at home.

Food & Nutrition

16. Can we stay for a meal during the tour?

This is the best way to assess food quality. Is it appetizing? Is it served at the right temperature? Do staff assist those who need help eating?

17. Are special diets accommodated?

This includes texture-modified diets, allergies, cultural or religious dietary requirements, and personal preferences.

18. Are snacks and beverages available between meals?

Residents should have access to nourishment whenever they want it, not just at set mealtimes.

19. Can families bring in food?

Many families want to bring favourite homemade dishes or cultural foods. Understand the policy.

Family Communication

20. How will we be kept informed about our loved one's care?

Look for structured communication: regular care conferences, written updates, and a clear process for reaching the care team with questions.

21. What is the family visiting policy?

Are there restricted hours, or can family visit any time? Can family members join for meals?

22. Is there a family council?

A family council is a group of residents' family members that meets regularly with management. Its existence signals a home that values family input.

23. How are concerns and complaints handled?

Ask for the formal complaints process in writing. Ask whether the home has an ombudsman or patient advocate.

Costs & Administration

24. What is included in the basic daily rate, and what costs extra?

Get a complete list of additional charges — cable TV, phone, hairdressing, physiotherapy, incontinence supplies. These add up quickly.

25. What is the current wait list, and how does the admissions process work?

Understanding the timeline is critical for planning. Some homes have wait lists of several years for preferred room types.

Bonus: What to Observe (Not Ask)

Beyond your questions, pay attention to what you see and feel:

• Do staff seem happy and unhurried?
• Do residents look clean, comfortable, and engaged?
• Does the building smell clean without being overwhelmingly chemical?
• Is the atmosphere warm and home-like, or institutional?
• Are call bells answered promptly?
• Do you see staff interacting warmly with residents, or just performing tasks?

After the Tour

Write down your impressions immediately — they fade fast. Rate each home on the criteria that matter most to your family, and compare your notes.

If possible, visit your top choices a second time at a different time of day. Evening and weekend visits show you a very different picture than a scheduled weekday tour.

Share your findings with your entire care circle so the decision is made together. A shared platform like cAIrify makes it easy to compile notes, share photos, and discuss options — even when family members couldn't all attend the tour.

Ready to start comparing homes? Use our Find Care directory to search and connect with long-term care communities near you.