Checklist for visiting a care home

Print it or open it on your phone during the visit. Check things off as you go.

1. Before you go

Ask for the state license and look it up in the official state records (on hogaresparamayores.com you can see it on each facility page). If it is a nursing home, check its Medicare star rating and its latest inspection report. Ask whether any staff speak Spanish, and on which shifts. Ask for the price list in writing, and what it includes.

2. The place

Does it smell clean? Is it bright and tidy? Walk through the room, bathroom, dining room and common areas your loved one would use. Are there handrails, good lighting and floors free of obstacles? Is there a patio or an outdoor space?

3. The people

Does the staff greet residents by name and with respect? Do residents look clean, dressed and looked after? How many caregivers are on duty during the day and at night? Is there nursing care 24 hours a day? Who will be your contact for any questions?

4. Day to day

What activities are there? Any in Spanish? What is the food like? Can they respect your loved one’s food and customs? How do they handle medications, and what happens if your loved one feels sick at night? Which hospital would they take your loved one to, and who would go with them?

5. The family

What are the visiting hours? How and how often do they keep in touch with the family? In Spanish? Can your loved one go out for a walk or to a family party?

6. Money and the contract

What does the rate include, and what costs extra (incontinence supplies, medications, laundry, levels of care)? How much and how often do prices go up? Does it accept Medicaid? If your loved one runs out of money, can they stay there with Medicaid? Ask for the contract so you can read it calmly (or with someone you trust) before you sign.

Good signs

They invite you to come back another day, at mealtime, with no problem.
They answer your questions in writing.
The staff have been working there for a long time.

To decide with peace of mind

Take your time: it’s fine to ask for a day to think it over and read the contract at home before you sign or leave a deposit.
Ask to tour the rooms and common areas; good places are proud to show them.
Ask for the license number and look it up in the state records (you’ll already see it on our facility pages).
If it is a nursing home, talk about its latest Medicare inspection: the team can tell you how they work and what they have improved.

If you have a complaint about a place, you can contact your state’s long-term care ombudsman (it’s free) or call the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116.

Not sure where to start?

Answer five questions and we’ll show you the options that fit best, with the reasons for each one. It’s free and we don’t ask for any personal information.

Start the guided search

Find care

By state

Learn

Tools

About us

Language