Questions to Ask on an Adult Family Home Tour
The most useful questions on a tour cover four things: the care your relative will actually get, who provides it, what it costs in writing, and what an ordinary day looks like. Bring this list, ask the same questions at every home, and write down the answers so you can compare fairly.
About the care
- What kinds of care do you specialize in — and have you cared for someone with my relative's needs?
- What happens if their care needs increase over time? Would they have to move?
- How do you handle medications, doctor visits, and emergencies?
- How do you communicate with families when something changes?
About the staff
- How many caregivers are here during the day, at night, and on weekends?
- Is a caregiver awake overnight?
- What training do your caregivers have, and how long have they been here?
- What languages do staff speak?
About the cost
- What is the monthly rate for the room we'd want — private or shared?
- Is there a one-time move-in or community fee? What else is billed separately?
- What raises the rate, and how much notice do we get?
- Do you accept Medicaid? If we start on private pay, can we stay when we move to Medicaid?
Our guide on what adult family homes cost in Washington explains what drives these numbers.
About daily life
- What does a normal day look like here — meals, activities, outings?
- Can residents keep their own routine, furniture, and visitors?
- How is food prepared, and can you accommodate dietary needs?
- May I see the room that's available and the shared spaces?
Trust your senses
- Is the home clean, calm, and warm — not just tidy for a tour?
- Do the residents look comfortable and cared for?
- How do staff speak to residents when they think no one is watching?
Frequently asked
How many homes should I tour?
Most families tour two to four homes. Seeing more than one makes it much easier to tell what good looks like and to compare care, staff, and daily life fairly.
Should I visit unannounced?
A scheduled tour lets the owner give you their full attention. If you can, also stop by briefly at a different time of day to see the home during an ordinary moment.
Related: How much does an adult family home cost in Washington?