A tour is your best opportunity to evaluate an assisted living community beyond the website and brochures. Use this comprehensive checklist to ask the right questions, observe what matters, and compare communities objectively.
Quick Tour Tips
- Tour 3-5 communities for good comparison without overwhelm
- Schedule during activity time (late morning or early afternoon)
- Eat a meal there if possible—it reveals a lot
- Take notes and photos right after each tour
- Trust your gut—first impressions matter
Questions About Care & Staffing
Care quality is determined by the people providing it. Ask these questions to understand staffing:
Staffing Questions
- □What is the caregiver-to-resident ratio during day, evening, and night shifts?
- □Is there a nurse on staff 24/7? If not, what hours?
- □What training do caregivers receive? How often?
- □What is your staff turnover rate?
- □Are background checks performed on all employees?
- □How long has the Executive Director been here? Other key staff?
- □Who provides care at night? What if my loved one needs help at 3 AM?
Care Plan Questions
- □How are individual care plans created? Who's involved?
- □How often are care plans reviewed and updated?
- □How will you communicate changes in my loved one's health or behavior?
- □What happens if my loved one's needs increase beyond what you can provide?
- □How do you handle residents with challenging behaviors?
- □What is your approach to encouraging independence vs. providing assistance?
Medical Care Questions
- □How is medication managed? Who administers medications?
- □Can my loved one keep their current doctors?
- □Is there a visiting physician or medical director?
- □What happens in a medical emergency?
- □Is physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy available?
- □How do you coordinate with specialists and hospitals?
Questions About Daily Life
Meals & Dining
- □Can I see a sample menu? How often does it rotate?
- □Are meals prepared on-site or delivered?
- □Can dietary restrictions be accommodated (diabetic, low sodium, vegetarian, etc.)?
- □Are there flexible dining times or is it scheduled?
- □Can residents eat in their rooms if they prefer?
- □Can I join my loved one for a meal during this visit?
Activities & Engagement
- □Can I see the activity calendar? How diverse are the options?
- □Is there a dedicated activities director?
- □What if my loved one doesn't want to participate?
- □Are there outings outside the community? How often?
- □Is there a fitness program or exercise classes?
- □Are there opportunities for spiritual/religious services?
Living Space Questions
- □What room types are available? Can I see examples?
- □What furniture is provided vs. what can we bring?
- □Is there a private bathroom in each room?
- □Is there a kitchenette or mini-fridge?
- □Can my loved one personalize their space?
- □How often is housekeeping and laundry done?
Questions About Policies & Safety
Visiting & Family Involvement
- □What are the visiting hours? Any restrictions?
- □Can I visit unannounced? At any time?
- □Are families invited to participate in activities or meals?
- □How do you communicate with families about their loved one?
- □Are family meetings or care conferences held regularly?
Safety & Security
- □Are there emergency call systems in rooms and common areas?
- □What are the fire safety features and evacuation plans?
- □Is the building locked? How is entry controlled?
- □For memory care: What security measures prevent wandering?
- □How are falls prevented and responded to?
Questions About Costs & Contracts
Financial Questions
- □What is the base monthly rate? What does it include?
- □What services have additional charges (beyond base rate)?
- □How do you determine care levels and pricing tiers?
- □What is the community fee or move-in fee? Is it refundable?
- □How often do rates increase? What was last year's increase?
- □Do you accept long-term care insurance? Help with claims?
- □Do you accept Medicaid? What about VA benefits?
- □What is your billing cycle? When is payment due?
Contract Questions
- □What is the move-out notice requirement?
- □Under what circumstances could my loved one be asked to leave?
- □What is your refund policy if we leave early?
- □What happens during hospitalization? Do we pay to hold the room?
- □Can I review the contract and residency agreement before deciding?
What to Observe During Your Tour
Observation Checklist
Staff Interactions
- □ Staff greets residents by name
- □ Caregivers speak respectfully, patiently
- □ Staff doesn't appear rushed or stressed
- □ Residents seem comfortable with staff
Resident Wellbeing
- □ Residents appear well-groomed and dressed
- □ Residents are engaged in activities
- □ Residents seem happy, social
- □ Residents are willing to talk to you
Environment
- □ Facility is clean and well-maintained
- □ No unpleasant odors
- □ Good natural lighting, comfortable temperature
- □ Safe (grab bars, handrails, non-slip floors)
Atmosphere
- □ Feels homelike, not institutional
- □ Welcoming common areas being used
- □ Outdoor spaces accessible and pleasant
- □ Noise levels are comfortable
Red Flags to Watch For
- Resistance to questions: Staff is defensive, vague, or won't answer directly
- Pressure to decide: Pushing you to sign today or using high-pressure tactics
- Unpleasant odors: Urine smells, or overwhelming air freshener covering smells
- Residents in distress: Crying, calling out, slumped over, appearing neglected
- Staff ignoring residents: Caregivers socializing with each other instead of engaging
- Dirty or poorly maintained: Stains, broken items, outdated decor, unsafe conditions
- Restricted tour access: Not showing certain areas or limiting when you can visit
- Hidden fees: Costs not clearly explained, vague contract terms
- Recent leadership changes: New director every year, high turnover at top
- Multiple state citations: Check Colorado CDPHE inspection reports
After the Tour
Immediately after each tour:
- Take notes: Write down impressions, answers to questions, concerns
- Rate the community: Use a scoring system to compare objectively later
- Take photos: Of rooms, common areas, menus (if allowed)
- Discuss with family: Share observations while they're fresh
- Check references: Ask community for family references you can contact
- Research online: Look for reviews, check state inspection reports
Douglas County Communities to Tour
Castle Rock Assisted Living
Largest city, most community options
Highlands Ranch Assisted Living
Established communities near medical centers
Parker Assisted Living
Family-friendly area with great trails
Lone Tree Assisted Living
Modern amenities, cultural attractions
Related Resources
How to Choose Assisted Living
Complete guide to selection process
When Is It Time?
Signs indicating the need for care
Paying for Assisted Living
Financial options and cost guide
Moving Guide
Preparing for a smooth transition
Want Help Scheduling Tours?
Our team can help you identify the best communities to tour based on your needs, budget, and preferred location in Douglas County. Free, no-obligation guidance.
Call 720-819-5667 for Free Consultation