Find a community
How to find and shortlist assisted living communities
A calm, step-by-step way to research assisted living near you, check licenses and inspection reports, make first calls, and narrow your list to three to five places.
Step 4 of 6 in the family journey
Checklist
Community shortlist checklist
Checks to finish before you visit an assisted living community: license, inspection reports, care types, payment options and a first phone call.
Use this checklist while you research, before you spend time on a visit. Print one copy for each community you are considering and tick items off as you go.
If a community cannot pass the first section, it probably does not belong on your short list. Aim to finish with three to five communities to tour, then move on to the tour checklist.
Tick items as you go, or print this page (Ctrl+P or Share, then Print) to take it with you. Printing gives you empty boxes and hides the menus, and you can save it as a PDF from the same menu.
License and inspections
Fit for my parent
First phone call
Sources
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Tour & compare
Touring assisted living communities and comparing your options
What to do before, during and after an assisted living tour, what to watch for, which questions to ask staff, and a simple way to compare communities side by side.
Guides
Browse all guides
Every guide in order, from the first question to moving day.