Visit before choosing, more than once if you can, and talk with residents and families. Ask about care and staffing, dementia care, fees and payment, daily life and how complaints are handled. Our printable checklist has all of these with space for notes.
Who this is for
Anyone about to tour a nursing home for themselves or a family member.
What to watch for
Medicare suggests watching for signs that staff are slow to respond, strong odors, residents calling out, or safety risks such as residents wandering unsupervised.
The core questions
Care and staffing
- How many staff are assigned per resident during the day, overnight and on weekends?
- How many residents is each nurse aide responsible for?
- How am I (or my family member) involved in the care plan?
- What happens in a medical emergency?
Dementia care
- Is there a dedicated dementia unit? How are staff trained?
- What non-medication approaches do you use, and how do you avoid antipsychotics when possible?
Fees and payment
- Do you accept Medicare and/or Medicaid?
- What is included in the private-pay rate, and what is charged separately?
Daily life
- Can residents bring furniture, choose when to get up, eat and bathe?
- What activities, outdoor space and private visiting space are there?
- How are special diets handled? Are snacks available any time?
Concerns
- How do I raise a concern, and how will I hear how it was resolved?
- Can I see your latest inspection report?
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. For decisions about your situation, talk with your doctor, the hospital or facility social worker, an Aging & Disability Resource Center, or an elder-law attorney.
Official sources
Sources checked Nov 11, 2026. Rules and dollar amounts change, usually each January; confirm with the source.