Assisted Living & Memory Care in Cleveland, OH

50 Critical Questions to Ask During Your Senior Living Tour

Walking through a senior living community, you'll see beautiful common areas, friendly staff, and happy residents. But a polished tour doesn't tell the whole story. To truly understand if a community is right for your loved one, you need to ask tough, specific questions.

This guide provides 50 essential questions organized by category—plus what answers to listen for and red flags to watch out for.

Questions About Staffing (The Most Important Category)

1. What is your staff-to-resident ratio during the day? At night? On weekends?

Good answer: 1:6 to 1:8 during day; clear numbers for nights/weekends
Red flag: Vague answers or "it varies"

2. What is your staff turnover rate?

Industry average: 50-70% annually (high turnover is common)
Better communities: Under 40%
Red flag: "We don't track that"

3. How long has the Executive Director been here?

Good: 2+ years (shows stability)
Concerning: Less than 6 months or frequent director changes

4. What training do caregivers receive for dementia care? (if applicable)

Look for: Specific programs (Montessori, Best Friends, validation therapy)
Red flag: "On the job training" only

5. Is a nurse on-site 24/7, or only during business hours?

Best: 24/7 licensed nurse
Typical: Nurse during day, on-call at night
Concerning: No nurse on staff

6. How do you handle situations when staff call in sick?

Good answer: Pool of on-call staff, per diem employees
Red flag: "Remaining staff cover" (overworked staff = worse care)

7. Who administers medications, and what's their training?

Best: Licensed nurses
Acceptable: Trained medication aides (STNA with medication certification in Ohio)
Red flag: "Caregivers with basic training"

Questions About Care and Services

8. What's included in the base monthly fee vs. what costs extra?

Get this IN WRITING
Common extras: medication management, incontinence care, escort to meals, extra baths

9. How do you create individualized care plans?

Good: Family involved, regular updates, resident preferences honored
Red flag: Generic, one-size-fits-all approach

10. How often are care plans reviewed and updated?

Standard: Every 90 days or when condition changes
Better: Monthly or more frequently

11. What happens if care needs increase? Would they need to move?

Important: Understand limits—many assisted livings can't handle heavy medical needs
Red flag: Vague answers about "we'll figure it out"

12. Can you describe your process for handling a medical emergency?

Look for: Clear protocol, 911 procedures, family notification process

13. How do you handle behavioral changes or aggression (if memory care)?

Good: De-escalation techniques, person-centered approaches, medication as last resort
Red flag: "We call their doctor" or "we discharge them"

14. What's your bathing/shower schedule?

Typical: 2-3 times per week
Ask: Can residents shower more often if desired?

15. Can residents refuse care? How do you handle that?

Important: Residents have right to refuse
Good answer: Staff trained in gentle persuasion, trying different approaches/times

Questions About Daily Life

16. Can residents choose their own wake-up and bedtime?

Good: Flexible schedules respected
Red flag: Rigid schedules "everyone up by 7 AM"

17. Are meal times flexible, or must everyone eat at set times?

Better communities: Restaurant-style with flexible hours
Traditional: Set meal times

18. Can residents eat in their room if they prefer?

Ideal: Yes, for any meal
Acceptable: Sometimes, with advance notice

19. Can I see this month's activity calendar?

Evaluate: Variety, frequency, meaningfulness
Red flag: Mostly passive activities (TV, bingo only)

20. How do you accommodate residents who don't want to participate in activities?

Good: Respect preferences, offer alternatives, one-on-one time
Red flag: "Everyone loves our activities!"

21. Do you offer outings and trips? Where do you go?

Cleveland examples: Indians games, Orchestra, museums, shopping, restaurants
Red flag: No outings or "weather permitting" only

22. Is transportation available for medical appointments? Shopping?

Ask: Cost (some charge per trip), advance notice required, wheelchair accessible?

23. Can residents bring their own furniture? What fits?

Get measurements of typical room
Ask about: Size limits, must use provided bed?

24. What's the WiFi situation?

Good: Included, reliable, good coverage
Concerning: Extra charge or unreliable

25. Can residents have pets? Visit with pets?

Varies widely: Some allow small pets, some only visiting pets

Questions About Food

26. Can I stay for lunch today?

⭐ BEST QUESTION TO ASK
Nothing beats experiencing the food yourself

27. Can I see a sample menu for the week?

Evaluate: Variety, fresh vs. processed, appetizing?

28. Who prepares the food? Is it made on-site?

Best: Chef on-site, cooked fresh daily
Acceptable: Mix of fresh and pre-prepared
Concerning: All pre-packaged

29. How do you handle dietary restrictions and preferences?

Ask about: Diabetes, low-sodium, vegetarian, religious requirements, dislikes

30. Are snacks available 24/7?

Good: Yes, accessible to residents anytime
Ask: What kinds of snacks?

31. Can family join for meals? What's the cost?

Typical: $5-15 per guest meal

Questions About Money

32. What is the TOTAL monthly cost including all typical fees?

Don't accept just base rate
Ask for: "What does the average resident here actually pay?"

33. What's included in the base rate?

Typical: Room, meals, housekeeping, activities, utilities
Often extra: Personal care, medications, special diets

34. How often do you raise rates? By how much typically?

Industry norm: 3-5% annually
Red flag: "We haven't decided" or large unpredictable increases

35. Do you accept Medicaid? If not now, will you if they run out of money?

Critical for long-term planning
Ohio-specific: Some assisted livings participate in Ohio Assisted Living Waiver

36. What's the move-in deposit? Is it refundable?

Varies: $1,000-$5,000 common
Ask: Conditions for refund

37. Can I see a sample contract?

Take home and review carefully
Have elder law attorney review if large commitment

38. What's the notice period if we decide to move out?

Typical: 30 days
Ask: Are there any penalties or fees?

39. Are there move-in specials or discounts?

Common: First month free, waived community fee
Don't let specials rush your decision

Questions About Health and Safety

40. How many times have you called 911 in the last year?

Use to gauge: Medical oversight and resident acuity
No right answer, but should be willing to share

41. Can you show me your most recent state inspection report?

Should be publicly posted or available online
Red flag: Won't share or has serious violations

42. Is the building fully sprinklered? Smoke detectors in every room?

Should be yes to both

43. How do residents call for help? Can I see the emergency call system?

Good: Call buttons in rooms and bathrooms, pendant/wristband option
Test: How quickly does staff respond?

44. What's your COVID policy? (or other infection control)

Shows: How they handle infectious disease
Look for: Clear protocols, transparency

45. Do you have a backup generator?

Important in Cleveland (winter storms)
Ask: What does it power? Full building or just essentials?

Questions About Specialized Care

(For Memory Care Specifically)

46. Is the memory care unit secured? How?

Should: Prevent wandering while maintaining dignity
Ask: Can residents access outdoor space safely?

47. What's your approach to dementia care? (philosophy)

Look for: Person-centered, validation approach, life enrichment
Red flags: Heavy emphasis on medications or security only

48. How do you communicate with family about changes?

Good: Regular updates, family portal, open communication
Ask: How often? What triggers a call?

Questions About the Community

49. Can you provide references from current families?

Great communities: Happily provide 3-5 references
Red flag: Reluctant or won't provide any

50. Why did the last three residents leave?

Common reasons: Increased medical needs, moved to be closer to family, passed away
Concerning: Pattern of dissatisfaction or discharges

Bonus: Questions to Ask Current Residents and Families

When you see residents or families, ask:

To Residents:

"How long have you lived here?"
"What do you like most? What would you change?"
"How's the food?"
"Do you feel safe here?"

To Families:

"Why did you choose this community?"
"How's the communication with staff?"
"Would you choose this place again?"
"Any advice for someone considering this community?"

How to Ask Tough Questions

Be Direct: Don't worry about being "polite." You're making a major decision.

Take Notes: Write down answers—you'll forget otherwise.

Ask for Specifics: If answer is vague, ask for examples or numbers.

Ask the Same Question to Multiple Staff: Do you get consistent answers?

Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is.

Red Flags in How They Answer

🚩 Vague or evasive answers 🚩 Won't provide specific numbers or data 🚩 Pressure to sign quickly ("Last room!" or "Price going up!") 🚩 Bad-mouthing other communities 🚩 Unprofessional or disorganized staff 🚩 Staff doesn't know answers to basic questions

Green Flags: Great Signs

✅ Transparent, detailed answers ✅ Welcomes tough questions ✅ Provides references and documentation ✅ Staff knows residents by name ✅ Encourages multiple visits ✅ No pressure—"Take your time deciding"

After the Tour: Follow-Up

Within 24 hours:

Review your notes while memory is fresh
Research online reviews and state inspection reports
Check BBB and Google reviews
Call the references they provided
Visit again at a different time of day

Get Expert Help

Feeling overwhelmed? We can help you:

Narrow down which communities to tour based on your needs
Schedule tours at multiple Cleveland communities
Accompany you on tours if helpful
Ask the tough questions if you're uncomfortable
Review contracts and explain terms
Compare your options objectively

Our service is completely free to families.

Ready to start touring Cleveland senior living communities? Browse our listings or contact us for help.

50 Essential Questions to Ask During a Senior Living Tour