Family guide
Questions to Ask an Assisted Living Community
A practical list of questions to bring to your first visit or phone call — so you leave with the information you actually need.
Visiting or calling an assisted living community for the first time can feel overwhelming. Sales staff are often skilled at presenting their community in the best possible light, and it can be hard to know what questions to ask. This guide offers a practical list of questions organized by topic — not to be exhaustive, but to help you get to the information that matters most.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify licensing status and inspection history through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) before making any care decision.
Staffing and Care
What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day, in the evening, and overnight? Are there registered nurses on staff, and if so, when are they on-site? What training do caregivers receive, and how is that training kept current? How is care planning handled, and how often are care plans reviewed? What happens if a resident's care needs increase significantly — is there a point at which they would need to move to a higher level of care?
Licensing and Compliance
Is this community licensed by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)? Can I review the most recent AHCA inspection report? Have there been any deficiencies cited in recent inspections, and if so, how were they addressed? Is the community in good standing with AHCA? (You can also look up any Florida assisted living facility's license status and inspection history directly on the AHCA website.)
Costs and Contracts
What is included in the base monthly fee? What services or amenities cost extra? How and when can fees be increased, and how much notice is given? What is the process for moving out, and what are the terms of the residency agreement? Is there a security deposit, and under what circumstances is it refunded? Does the community accept Medicaid, and if so, what is the process for transitioning to Medicaid if private funds are exhausted?
Daily Life and Community
What does a typical day look like for residents? What activities and programming are offered, and how are they scheduled? Can residents come and go freely? Are there outdoor spaces, and are they accessible to residents? What are the dining options, and can dietary restrictions or preferences be accommodated? Can residents personalize their living space?
Medical and Emergency Care
How does the community handle medical emergencies? Is there a nurse or other medical professional on call at all times? How are medications managed, and what is the process for medication errors? Does the community have a relationship with local physicians, or do residents use their own doctors? What is the community's policy on hospice care — can residents receive hospice services in place?
Family Involvement
How are families kept informed about changes in a resident's condition? Are family members welcome to visit at any time? Is there a family council or other mechanism for family input? How does the community handle concerns or complaints from residents or families?
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