Tours are staged. The questions below surface the operational details that affect both care and the monthly bill.
Costs and contract
- What is the current all-in monthly rate, and what exactly is included?
- How often have rates increased in the past three years, and by how much?
- What care levels or add-on fees apply (incontinence care, more frequent checks, medication administration, two-person transfers)?
- Is there a community fee or entrance fee, and is any of it refundable?
- Do you accept Medicaid or a state waiver, and after how many months of private pay?
- What is the notice period and process if we need to leave?
Staffing and daily care
- What is the staffing ratio on the memory care unit during the day and at night?
- How many of the night staff are licensed nurses versus aides?
- Who administers medications, and how are they documented?
- What is the process if a resident falls or becomes agitated after hours?
- How do you handle residents who wander or try to leave?
When needs increase
- What happens if the person needs a higher level of care than this community provides?
- Do you have an on-site nursing home or partnership, or will we need to move elsewhere?
- How much notice do you give if you can no longer meet the care needs?
Transparency and records
- Can we see the most recent state inspection report (or where is it posted)?
- How do you communicate changes in condition or incidents to the family?
- Is there a care plan meeting schedule, and can family attend?
Ask the same questions at every place you tour. Write the answers down. The differences that matter are usually in the staffing numbers, the fee schedule for higher care levels, and whether the community will take Medicaid later.
Related: How to Pay for Memory Care — costs, Medicare, Medicaid, and VA benefits.