The Complete Ohio Assisted Living & Memory Care Tour Checklist: 30 Questions to Ask

Why a written list matters

Every community gives a good tour. The differences show up later — in the fee schedule, the staffing at 2 a.m., and the move-out rules. Bring this list, ask every question, and write down each answer. For the money questions, ask for the answer in writing.

Part 1: The money questions

Get these answers in writing.

1. What does the base rate include, and what costs extra? Medication management, laundry, incontinence care and transportation are often add-ons.
2. What triggers a care-level increase, and what does each level cost? Ask to see the assessment they use, how often residents are reassessed, and the price of every level.
3. How much did rates rise in each of the last 3 years? A community that won't answer is telling you something.
4. Is the community fee or deposit refundable if your loved one moves out or dies? Get the refund terms and timeline.
5. What happens if the money runs out? In Ohio, the Assisted Living Waiver can pay for care services, but never room and board, and only in communities that accept it. Ask about VA benefits too. See how to pay for assisted living.
6. What is the notice period to move out, and are you charged after that?

Part 2: Staff and care

1. What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day, evening and overnight? Ask who is on duty on weekends.
2. Is a nurse on site or on call, and during which hours?
3. What is your annual staff turnover?
4. How are staff trained in dementia care?
5. Who manages medications, and how are errors reported to families?
6. Can outside home care, therapy or hospice come in?

Part 3: Safety

1. How do you handle falls and emergencies, and how fast are families told?
2. Is there a call system in every room and bathroom, and how quickly is it answered?
3. For memory care: how are doors and exits secured?
4. May I see your most recent state inspection report? In Ohio, assisted living is licensed as a residential care facility by the Ohio Department of Health. You can also look up results yourself in the Ohio Long-Term Care Consumer Guide.

Part 4: When needs change

1. What care needs force a move-out? Common triggers are two-person transfers, wandering, or needing skilled nursing. Compare with our assisted living vs. nursing home guide.
2. If memory care is needed later, is it on site, at what cost, and is there a waitlist? See our memory care selection guide.
3. After a hospital stay, is the room held, at what cost, and who decides if your loved one can return? Read what happens after hospital discharge.
4. Is skilled nursing available on the same campus?
5. How do you communicate with family about changes in health or care?

Part 5: Daily life — see for yourself

1. Can I eat a regular meal with residents? Not the tour lunch — a normal weekday meal.
2. How are dietary needs and preferences handled?
3. Can I talk with residents and families without staff present?
4. Does the activities calendar match what is actually happening? Visit at a listed activity time and look.
5. Is transportation provided to appointments, and at what cost?
6. Can residents bring their own furniture or pets?
7. Can we speak with current resident families as references?

Part 6: Questions to ask yourself afterward

1. Were residents engaged, or mostly sitting alone? Notice smells, noise and how staff speak to residents.
2. Would your loved one feel at home here? Include them in the decision when possible.

Red flags

• Strong odors or residents left unattended
• Staff who avoid questions or rush you
• Vague or verbal-only pricing
• Reluctance to share inspection results

After the tour

• Compare communities side by side using the same answers.
• Visit your top choice a second time, unannounced, at a different time of day.
• Check our Ohio assisted living cost guide to see if the price is in a normal range.
• Ask a senior living advisor in our directory to help compare — their help is usually free to families.

Want help narrowing the list? Call us at (513) 226-9052.