Touring an assisted living facility is one of the most important steps in finding care for a loved one. But it can also feel overwhelming — you don’t know what you’re looking at, you don’t know what to ask, and you don’t want to miss something important.
These 10 questions will give you a clear framework for evaluating any facility you visit. More importantly, we’ll tell you what good answers look like — so you can tell the difference.
1. “What does a typical day look like for residents?”
Why it matters: The answer reveals whether the facility treats residents as individuals with preferences and routines — or as people to be managed on a schedule.
Good answer: A thoughtful description of morning routines, meal times, activities, free time, and evening routines — with acknowledgment that each resident’s schedule can vary based on their preferences.
Red flag: A rigid, institutional-sounding schedule with no room for individual variation.
2. “What is your staff-to-resident ratio on each shift?”
Why it matters: More residents per staff member means less individual attention. This is especially important overnight.
Good answer: A specific number — “We have one caregiver for every 5 residents during the day, and one overnight.” For small homes, this ratio should be low.
Red flag: Vague answers, or very high ratios (one staff member for 15+ residents).
3. “Do you have awake overnight staff?”
Why it matters: Some facilities use “sleep staff” overnight — a caregiver who is on-site but sleeping and only responds to emergencies. Others have awake staff who are actively supervising. For many residents, awake overnight coverage is essential for safety.
Good answer: “Yes, we have an awake caregiver on every overnight shift.”
Red flag: “We have on-call coverage” or a vague answer that doesn’t confirm someone is physically present and awake.
4. “How do you handle medical emergencies?”
Why it matters: Emergencies happen. You need to know the facility has a clear protocol and can act quickly.
Good answer: A clear description — who to call, how 911 is contacted, what happens while waiting for EMS, and how the family is notified. The person answering should be able to describe this without hesitation.
Red flag: Vague answers or a sense that staff haven’t been trained on a specific protocol.
5. “How is my loved one’s care plan developed and updated?”
Why it matters: A personalized care plan is the foundation of good assisted living care. It should reflect the resident’s actual needs, preferences, and goals — and it should change as those needs change.
Good answer: “We conduct a thorough pre-admission assessment with you and your loved one. The care plan is developed before move-in and reviewed regularly — at minimum every 90 days, and whenever there’s a significant change.”
Red flag: A generic answer that doesn’t mention resident or family involvement.
6. “What training do your staff receive?”
Why it matters: Caregiver training directly affects care quality. In Minnesota, assisted living staff are required to complete specific training — but the best facilities go beyond the minimum.
Good answer: Specifics about orientation, competency evaluations, ongoing training in areas like dementia care, medication administration, and emergency response.
Red flag: “They all have experience” without mentioning formal training or competency evaluation.
7. “How do you manage medications?”
Why it matters: Medication errors are a leading cause of adverse events in assisted living. A well-run facility has a tight system.
Good answer: “We use an electronic medication administration record (eMAR) — staff document every administration in real time. We have a protocol for missed doses, PRN medications, and we coordinate with pharmacies directly.”
Red flag: Paper-only systems, vague answers about “keeping track,” or any suggestion that medication oversight is informal.
8. “What happens if my loved one’s needs increase?”
Why it matters: Care needs often change over time. Knowing the facility’s limits in advance helps you plan.
Good answer: An honest description of what level of care they can and can’t manage — and what the process looks like if a resident needs more than the facility can provide.
Red flag: “We can handle anything” — no honest limits is a red flag in itself.
9. “Can I speak with a family member of a current resident?”
Why it matters: The most honest evaluation of a facility comes from families who are already there.
Good answer: “Absolutely — let me connect you with a family we work closely with.”
Red flag: Hesitation, refusal, or a pivot to written testimonials only.
10. “What does the move-in process look like?”
Why it matters: The first few weeks of a new placement are critical. A facility that has done this well many times will have a clear process.
Good answer: A step-by-step description — intake paperwork, care plan finalization, orientation for the resident and family, who to contact with questions, and how communication works in the first week.
Red flag: “Oh, it’s pretty simple — they just move in and we take it from there.”
What to Observe Beyond the Questions
While you’re touring, pay attention to:
- How staff interact with current residents — do they make eye contact, use names, show warmth?
- The smell — a clean facility smells clean. Any strong odors are a concern.
- The residents themselves — do they seem comfortable, cared-for, and at ease?
- Your gut feeling — it matters more than you might think
WeDoCare welcomes tours from families, case managers, and discharge planners. We’re a licensed home with 5 private bedrooms in Bloomington, MN — and we’re happy to answer all of these questions in person.
Schedule a tour or call (952) 600-2780.
WeDoCare — Bloomington, MN
Have Questions? We're Here to Help.
Licensed assisted living — 5 private bedrooms. EW, CADI & DD waivers accepted. Adults 55+. We respond within 24 hours.