Questions to Ask During Your Skilled Nursing Community Tour

Choosing a skilled nursing or long-term care facility for yourself or a loved one is a significant decision. It's more than just finding a place to live; it's about finding a community that provides compassionate care, supports well-being, and respects individual needs. A tour is crucial, but simply walking through the building isn't enough. You need to ask the right questions. This blog post will guide you through the essential questions to ask on your tour, helping you make an informed and confident choice.

About Care and Staffing:

• What is the staff-to-resident ratio? This is crucial for understanding the level of individual attention residents receive. Ask about ratios for different shifts, as staffing can vary.
• What are the qualifications and training of the nursing staff? Are they RNs, LPNs, CNAs? How often do they receive continuing education? Ask about specific training for dementia care or other specialized needs.
• How is medication managed and administered? What safeguards are in place to prevent medication errors?
• What happens in case of a medical emergency? What is the facility's protocol? Is there a doctor on call?
• What types of therapies are offered (physical, occupational, speech)? How often are they provided? Are they tailored to individual needs?
• How are residents' care plans developed and communicated? Are families involved in the process? How often are care plans reviewed and updated?
• What is the process for addressing concerns or complaints? Is there a designated staff member to handle these issues?
  
  

About Daily Life and Amenities:

• What is a typical daily schedule like? This will give you a sense of the routine and activities offered.
• What types of activities are available for residents? Are there social events, outings, hobbies, or spiritual services? Ask to see an activity calendar.
• What are the dining options like? Are special diets accommodated? Can residents choose their meals? Ask to see a sample menu.
• What are the room options and associated costs? Are private rooms available? What amenities are included (e.g., bathroom, closet space, phone, TV)?
• What are the visiting hours? Are there any restrictions?
• Is there transportation available for appointments or outings?
• What are the laundry and housekeeping services like?
  
  

About Finances and Contracts:

• What is the total cost of care? Be sure you understand all the fees involved, including room and board, medication costs, therapy fees, and any other charges.
• What payment options are accepted? Does the facility accept Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance?
• What is the admission process like? What paperwork is required?
• What is the discharge policy? Under what circumstances can a resident be discharged?
• Can you review a sample contract? Don't sign anything without carefully reading and understanding all the terms and conditions.
  
  

Observing the Environment:

• Pay attention to the atmosphere. Does it feel warm, welcoming, and clean? Are the residents engaged and interacting with staff?
• Observe the staff's interactions with residents. Are they respectful, patient, and compassionate?
• Check the cleanliness and maintenance of the facility. Are the common areas and resident rooms well-maintained? Are there any unpleasant odors?
• Notice the safety features. Are there grab bars in the bathrooms? Are the hallways well-lit and free of clutter?
  
  

Don't Hesitate to Ask for Clarification:

If anything is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. It's better to ask too many questions than to make assumptions.

After the Tour:

• Discuss your impressions with family members or trusted advisors.
• Visit other facilities for comparison.
• Trust your gut feeling. Ultimately, the best facility is the one that feels right for you or your loved one.

Senior Care Finder helps families and individuals find the right senior living or care option with ease. Our platform is transparent, ungated, and designed to connect you directly with providers—no middlemen and no cost. Start your search today at seniorcarefinder.com.