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An 8-section, 48-point checklist used by thousands of families to compare senior living communities side-by-side. Fill it out on every tour — print it, download it, or work through it right here.

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🏛️

Section 01

First Impressions

The first five minutes of a tour tell you more than an hour of scripted sales talk.

0/6

Exterior grounds are tidy and well-maintained
Gardens, parking lot, entryways
Entryway is welcoming and easy to navigate
Clear signage, ADA-accessible
Lobby feels bright and friendly
Natural light, comfortable seating, activity
Staff greeted us warmly by name
Not just the sales person
Residents visible and appear engaged
Not all parked in front of a TV
Smell is neutral or pleasant
Avoid heavy air freshener — it often masks odors

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👥

Section 02

Staff & Care Quality

The quality of a community comes down to the people who show up every day.

0/6

Staff-to-resident ratio meets state minimums
Ask for day AND night ratios
Director of nursing is available to meet
Not just sales staff
Annual staff turnover is under 40%
Low turnover = better care continuity
Caregivers receive dementia-specific training
Especially if memory care is on site
Clear care assessment process explained
How care levels are priced and re-evaluated
Staff we met felt genuine and unrushed
Trust your gut

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🎨

Section 03

Resident Life & Activities

An active, engaged calendar is a lagging indicator of quality care.

0/6

Activity calendar has 4+ events per day
Ask to see this week's actual calendar
Activities include variety of abilities
Not just bingo and TV
Outings and community trips scheduled
Shopping, cultural, religious
Common areas feel lived-in, not staged
Books, crafts, people using them
Residents we saw looked groomed and comfortable
A quiet sign of attentive care
Family can visit anytime without pre-approval
Open-door policy

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🍽️

Section 04

Dining & Nutrition

Visit at meal time. Eat a meal if you can.

0/6

Multiple menu options each meal
Not a single plate-of-the-day
Accommodates special diets (diabetic, low-sodium)
Ask to see a sample diet plan
Dining room is quiet enough for conversation
Good acoustics matter a lot
Food looks fresh and appetizing
If you wouldn't eat it, neither will they
Snacks and beverages available throughout the day
Hydration stations, between-meal access
Residents are encouraged to socialize at meals
Assigned seats or open tables

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🛡️

Section 05

Safety & Security

Peace of mind is worth a lot. Look for it actively.

0/6

Pull cords or pendant alarms in every room
Bathroom, bedroom, living area
Clear evacuation plan posted and explained
Fire, medical, weather
Secured entries for memory care
Locked units, visitor logs
Licensed nurse on site 24/7 or on-call
Get specifics: day, evening, overnight
Medication management protocol is documented
Who gives meds, when, how tracked
Staff background checks are standard
Ask directly about hiring

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🏠

Section 06

The Apartment

Comfortable, functional, personal. These are non-negotiable.

0/6

Apartment size feels comfortable
Not just "efficient"
Bathroom is accessible with grab bars
Walk-in shower, raised toilet
Residents can bring personal furniture
Home feels like home
Natural light and operable windows
Mental health matters
Kitchenette or small fridge if desired
Autonomy around food
Pet policy matches your needs
Types, sizes, fees

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📋

Section 07

Contract & Financial

Read the contract twice. Take it home before signing.

0/6

Clear itemization of base rent vs care fees
No mystery charges
Annual fee increase is capped or predictable
Protect from surprise hikes
Refund policy for move-out is in writing
Notice period, deposit return
Care-level change triggers are defined
What changes the cost and why
Move-out policy if care needs exceed what's offered
Who decides and on what grounds
Accepts long-term care insurance, VA benefits
If you plan to use them

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💭

Section 08

Trust Your Gut

After the tour, sit in the parking lot for five minutes and check in with yourself.

0/6

Could I see my loved one thriving here?
Did staff feel genuinely caring, or rehearsed?
Would I be comfortable here myself someday?
Are my questions being answered, not dodged?
Do I want to come back for a second visit?
The best signal of all
What's the one thing that would make me say no?
Name it, check it

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