# Assisted living tour checklist

Canonical: https://assistedlivingguides.com/checklists/tour/

Checklist · Updated 2026-09-29

Questions to ask and things to notice on an assisted living tour, from monthly price and care fees to staffing, meals, activities and visiting policies.

Take one printed copy of this checklist to each tour, and write the community's name at the top. Ask the same questions everywhere so you can compare answers fairly afterward.

Before you leave, ask for the residency agreement and full fee schedule to read at home. Then transfer your notes into the comparison table in our guide to [touring and comparing communities](https://assistedlivingguides.com/guides/touring-and-comparing/index.md).

## Costs

- [ ] Monthly price: what is it for the apartment my parent would need?
- [ ] What's included in the monthly price?
- [ ] Additional care fees: how are they set, and how can they change?
- [ ] Are there one-time fees at move-in?

## Care and safety

- [ ] Staffing: how many caregivers are on duty during the day and overnight?
- [ ] Medication support: who manages and gives medications?
- [ ] Emergency procedures: what happens in a medical emergency, fire or power outage?
- [ ] What happens if my parent's care needs increase?

## Daily life

- [ ] Meals: how do they work, and can special diets be handled?
- [ ] Activities: can we see this month's calendar?
- [ ] Transportation: is it offered for appointments and outings?
- [ ] Visiting policies: are there set hours or limits?

## What I noticed

- [ ] Staff greeted residents by name and seemed unhurried
- [ ] Common areas, bathrooms and the apartment were clean and easy to get around

Costs, rules and services vary by state and by community. Use this site to prepare, then confirm details with the community and your state licensing agency.

## Sources

- [What Is Assisted Living? (National Council on Aging)](https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/local-care/assisted-living/)