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Shawn Stoddart · Jul 08, 2025 · 3 min read

Touring Made Easy: The Time-Saving Guide for Touring Care Facilities


Five Recommended Questions to Ask When Touring a Care Facility
  1. What insurances do you accept, and how will they affect my cost of care? This includes insurance plan types and how that impacts the total cost of care, including any co-pay or out-of-pocket expenses.
  1. What services are included in the cost of care, such as a private room or additional services? Understand what’s included in the base cost and whether extra services, like physical therapy or specialized care, have an additional fee.
  1. What is the staff turnover percentage? Do you use an agency to staff? A high turnover rate could indicate a lack of consistency in care. Ask about staff retention and the level of the team’s experience.
  1. Do you eat the food here, and how would you personally rate it? Directly asking about food quality can give you a better sense of the daily experience. An honest opinion from the staff can be invaluable.
  1. What is the facility’s track record for quality and compliance, and are there any recent inspections or audits? This question gives insight into the facility’s overall standards and whether they meet state or national regulations. Ask about any recent inspections, audit results, or accreditations to gauge their commitment to maintaining high care standards.

Simple Checklist for Choosing the Right Care Facility
✅ Identify Needs: What level of care is required? (Personal, medical, or memory care)
✅ Research Options: Check reviews, ratings, and any state certifications or violations
✅ Visit Facilities: Observe cleanliness, staff interactions, and the overall environment
✅ Ask Key Questions: Start with the ones listed above
✅ Check Licensing and Accreditation: Is the facility state-certified? Does it meet industry standards?
✅ Read the Contract Thoroughly: Understand all costs, terms, and potential hidden fees
✅ Trust Your Gut: Does the facility feel like a good fit? Is it a place where your loved one would feel comfortable and safe?

Red Flags
🔴 Rude or disengaged staff
🔴 Dirty or poorly maintained environment
🔴 Unclear services or cost structure
🔴 Residents are left alone too often
🔴 High staff turnover
🔴 Lack of safety features (e.g., grab bars)

Green Flags
🟢 Friendly, attentive staff
🟢 Clean and well-maintained environment
🟢 Transparent services and costs
🟢 Engaged residents
🟢 Low staff turnover
🟢 Safe, comfortable rooms with safety features

For more information on finding the right facility and how to pay for it, this guide contains everything I’ve learned while working in the nursing home industry, from a CNA to an Admissions Director to a Medical Records Director.

Shawn Stoddart
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