What to Look for When Touring a Nursing Home: A Checklist

Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is one of the weightiest decisions you’ll ever make. It is emotional, stressful, and often rushed by a sudden change in health. When you walk through those doors for a tour, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the smell of floor cleaner or the sight of medical equipment.

However, a tour is your best chance to look past the marketing and see how the facility actually runs. You aren’t just looking for a clean building; you are looking for a community where your family member will feel safe and respected.

Use this checklist to help you stay focused during your visit.

1. The First Impression

As soon as you walk in, stop and use your senses. First impressions aren’t everything, but they tell you a lot about the daily management of the building.

The Smell:

It shouldn’t smell like heavy perfume or urine. A good facility smells neutral or like a normal home.

The Atmosphere:

Does it feel like a hospital or a residence? While medical care is the priority, the environment should feel warm and inviting.

The Welcome:

How are you greeted? If the staff is too busy to acknowledge you at the front desk, they might be too busy to handle resident needs quickly.

2. Staff Interaction

The building could be a palace, but the people who work there determine the quality of life for the residents. This is the most important part of your tour.

Body Language:

Watch how staff members talk to residents. Do they make eye contact? Do they use the residents’ names? Avoid places where staff treat residents like tasks rather than people.

Response Time:

Listen for call bells or alarms. How long do they ring before someone checks on them? If you see a resident asking for help in a hallway, see how long it takes for a staff member to stop and assist.

Staff Appearance:

Do the nurses and aides look neat, calm, and professional? If everyone looks frazzled and exhausted, the facility may be understaffed.

Consistency:

Ask about “consistent assignment.” This means the same aides work with the same residents every day. This helps build trust and allows staff to notice small changes in a resident’s health.

3. Resident Quality of Life

Take a close look at the people who already live there. They are the best indicator of what life is like in that nursing home.

Grooming:

Are the residents dressed for the day? Are they clean, shaven, and well-groomed? This shows that the staff takes pride in their work and respects the residents’ dignity.

Activity Level:

Do you see people sitting alone in hallways staring at walls? Or are they engaged in activities, chatting in common areas, or moving around?

Privacy:

Are doors closed when personal care is being given? Knocking before entering a resident’s room is a basic sign of respect that should be standard practice.

4. The Food and Dining Experience

Nutrition is vital, but eating is also a social event. A bad dining experience can lead to depression and weight loss.

Visit at Mealtime:

This is the best time to see the facility in action. Is the dining room loud and chaotic, or calm and organized?

The Menu:

Ask to see a weekly menu. Is there variety? Are there options if a resident doesn’t like the main dish?

Assistance:

Watch the residents who need help eating. Are the staff members patient and attentive, or are they rushing through the process to get to the next person?

Snacks:

Ask if residents can get a snack or a drink at any time of day or night.

5. Cleanliness and Safety

You don’t need a white glove, but you should look for signs of basic upkeep.

The Floors:

They should be clean and, more importantly, free of clutter or tripping hazards.

Handrails:

Are there sturdy handrails in all the hallways and bathrooms?

Bathrooms:

Check the private or shared bathrooms in the rooms. Are they clean? Is there enough space for a wheelchair or walker?

Emergency Exits:

Are the exits clearly marked and unobstructed?

6. The Rooms

Think about the actual living space. This is where your loved one will spend most of their time.

Personalization:

Can residents bring their own furniture, pictures, and quilts? Making a room feel like home is crucial for a smooth transition.

Storage:

Is there enough closet and drawer space for their clothes and personal items?

Windows:

Does the room have plenty of natural light? A dark room can be very isolating.

Questions to Ask the Administrator

Beyond what you see, there are things you need to hear. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions.

1. What is your staff-to-resident ratio?

Ask specifically about the night shift and weekends, as staffing levels often drop then.

2. What is the staff turnover rate?

High turnover usually means poor management or low morale.

3. How do you handle medical emergencies?

Ask which hospital they use and how families are notified.

4. Are there set visiting hours?

A good nursing home usually allows family to visit at any time.

Trust Your Gut

Data and checklists are helpful, but your intuition matters too. If something feels “off” during the tour, it probably is. If the staff seems defensive when you ask questions, take that as a red flag. A transparent and high-quality facility will be happy to show you how they operate.

Selecting a nursing home is a process. Try to visit at least three different places to get a sense of what is available in your area. If possible, show up for a second visit unannounced at a different time of day to see if the quality remains consistent.