Choosing care for a parent or a family member is never simple. Emotions run high, and the details can feel endless. Use this list of questions to ask a nursing home to compare options with confidence. Ask for specific answers in writing, and request real examples. Review daily schedules, menus, and recent inspections, including CMS Five-Star ratings. You can also check official guides like Medicare’s nursing home checklist before you tour.
Top questions to ask a nursing home about staffing and safety
People and protection drive quality of care. Clear answers here show how a care facility runs each day.
- How many caregivers are on duty on day, evening, and overnight shifts? What is the staff-to-resident ratio by shift?
- What training do nurses and aides have, including dementia care, fall prevention, and infection control?
- Who is on-site 24/7? Are licensed nurses available at all times?
- How do you handle emergencies, falls, or changes in condition? How and when are families notified?
- What is recent staff turnover? Who leads care, and how often do leaders round?
Tip: Ask to meet a nurse leader. Watch how staff members greet residents and respond to call lights.
Care, activities, and daily life: questions that reveal quality
Picture everyday life and clinical follow-through. Ask how the team adapts services to a loved one’s needs, including Alzheimer’s or special care needs, and how a social worker supports transitions.
Care plans and medical services
- How is a care plan built in the first 30 days? How often is it reviewed?
- What on-site services are available, like therapy, memory care, and rehab?
Medication and health monitoring
- Who manages medications and checks for side effects?
- How are vitals, weight, hydration, and wounds tracked?
Meals, routines, and social life
- What does a typical day look like? Are activities offered every day and on weekends?
- Can diets be customized, including soft or heart-healthy plans?
- Are there safe outdoor spaces and escorts for walks?
For therapy and wellness on campus, see McKnight Place’s Therapy and Wellness Programs, including physical therapy and restorative support.
Costs and contracts: questions to understand pricing and value
Money matters, and so do policies. Ask for clarity upfront.
- What is the monthly rate, and what is included (room, meals, laundry, therapies)?
- What services cost extra, like higher care levels, transportation, or incontinence supplies?
- How often do rates change? How will we be told about increases?
- Do you accept Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance? Are short-term rehab or respite stays available?
- What are the room options (private, semi-private)? What is the move-in process and deposit policy?
- Can we review the admission agreement now? Is there an arbitration clause?
Tip: Ask for a sample monthly invoice and a written grid of what triggers higher care levels. The NIA’s guide on choosing long-term care offers helpful context.
Make your tour count: a simple checklist for families
- Visit at different times, including a meal and an evening hour. Notice mealtime in the dining room.
- Talk with residents and families about their experience.
- Look for clean spaces, fresh smells, and engaged staff.
- Review menus, activity calendars, and the posted staffing plan.
- Check recent inspection results and ask how issues were fixed.
After touring several living facilities, schedule a visit to McKnight Place to compare assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care options. Explore Assisted Living Services to understand the kind of care offered.
Contact McKnight Place
Bring this list of questions to ask a nursing home on your next tour. At McKnight Place, you will find licensed nurses available 24/7, all-inclusive pricing that is easy to understand, therapy and wellness on campus, memory care for Alzheimer’s, religious services, and chef-prepared dining. Call to schedule a visit, and request sample care plans, activity calendars, and menus. Whether for a loved one or a senior choosing for themselves, aim for the best care that fits your health care goals and lifestyle with full-time support, clear staffing ratios, and reliable medical care.