Questions to Ask When Touring a Long-Term Care Facility

Libby Hastings • May 30, 2024

Choosing a long-term care facility can be a daunting experience. Most people have no idea where to begin. There are so many things to consider! So many questions! KABC has compiled a list of eight important questions to ask and have answered, to help make your decision a bit easier. For more information and additional tips, please check out our resources, “Is This the Nursing Home to Choose?” or “Planning for Better Care.”


1) What is the resident to staff ratio? During your tour, inquire about the number of staff in the facility vs number of residents. A higher staff ratio often means residents receive more personalized care and attention. It can also lead to better outcomes for residents including reduced rates of infection, fewer falls and improved quality of life.


2) How do you handle medical emergencies and provide ongoing care? Medical emergencies can happen at any time. What procedure does the facility have in place for handling emergencies while still providing ongoing care to other residents? Delays or inadequate response can have serious consequences for resident health and well-being. Don’t hesitate to ask! Your loved- one’s safety depends on it!


3) What types of recreational activities and social events do you offer? Quality of life extends beyond medical care. Ask about the activities and other events offered. Social isolation can have a negative impact on a person’s mental and physical health, so it’s important for residents to have opportunities for social engagement and connection. A vibrant community enhances residents’ well-being.


4) What safety measures are in place to prevent falls and accidents? Ensuring safety is paramount for residents in long-term care facilities. Falls are a serious concern, especially if call lights go unanswered. When touring, ask about staff

response times to call lights, and what protocols are in place to prevent falls. If a fall occurs, does staff call 911? Do they attempt to pick up the resident or wait for help? Is the fall reported to the Kansas Dept. for Aging & Disability Services? (FYI - reporting is mandatory.)


5) How do you ensure that residents receive personalized care plans tailored to their needs? During your tour, always ask about the process for creating individualized care plans. Advocate for person-centered care. How does the facility assess resident needs and preferences to make sure they receive the care they require and deserve in a dignified fashion?


6) What is the protocol for administering medications to residents? How do you assure accuracy and compliance? Accurate medication administration/management is vital for the health and safety of residents. Ask how the facility maintains accuracy in dosage and documentation. Understanding these processes can help assure your loved-one receives the right medication at the right time.


7) What are your dining options and meal plans offered, including any special/restricted dietary accommodations? Nutrition tailored to individual need, including religious/cultural belief, food preferences or medically-restricted diets is crucial for the well-being of any resident. Ask how these needs are met. Knowing your loved-one is getting the proper nutrition can provide peace of mind.


8) What types of therapies and rehabilitation services are available on-site for residents who require them? Fostering holistic well-being means addressing both physical and mental health needs in long-term care settings. Ask about the availability of physical, speech and occupational therapy services. Are they available in-house? Do you offer mental health support? Understanding these services can ensure the facility offers multidisciplinary care.

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Long-Term Care Facility

May 21, 2025
Choosing a long-term care facility for yourself or a loved one is one of the most important decisions you can make. Beyond basic safety and cleanliness, the right facility should support a person’s independence, dignity, and overall quality of life. To help you make an informed choice, here are five essential questions to ask, along with key follow-ups that can give you a deeper sense of what daily life will be like at the facility. 1. How does the facility support independence and person-centered care? Person-centered care means that residents are active participants in their care and daily routines. Ask: Can residents choose when to wake up and go to bed? Are meals and activities tailored to individual preferences? Is there flexibility for “early birds” and “night owls”? Look for signs that staff respect residents’ individuality—such as accommodating dietary preferences and encouraging participation in meaningful activities. 2. What medical and rehabilitation services are available on-site? Quality care goes beyond assistance with daily activities. Ask about: Access to hospice care and pain management Availability of wound care and ostomy specialists In-house physical, occupational, speech, and mental health therapies Staffing levels—how many nurses and aides are on duty at different times of day? These services can have a major impact on recovery, mobility, and comfort. 3. What is the atmosphere like during meals and activities? Daily life should be engaging and social. Ask to observe a meal or an activity session. Consider: Are residents out of their rooms and interacting with others? Do meals look appetizing and meet special dietary needs? Is assistance with eating provided promptly and respectfully? Also ask about field trips, volunteer involvement, and whether there is an active activities room or calendar of events. 4. What do current residents and families say about their experience? Talking to those already living in or visiting the facility can give you valuable insight. Ask residents: Do staff respond quickly when you call for help? Do you enjoy your meals and feel your privacy is respected? Are you involved in decisions about your care? Ask families: Are you promptly notified of any accidents or health changes? Do you feel comfortable raising concerns? Is there a Family Council and does the facility listen to it? 5. How transparent and responsive is the administration? A responsive leadership team is key to resolving issues and maintaining quality. When meeting with the Administrator or Director of Nursing, ask: How do you handle complaints? How are staff trained and how long do they typically stay? What’s your policy on resident rights, such as refusing treatment? You can also ask to review the admission contract, learn about costs and refund policies, and understand how care decisions are made if the resident is unable to speak for themselves. Want more questions to ask? Visit our full guide: Is This the Nursing Home to Choose?  It includes detailed sections on services, nursing care, residents' rights, and conversations to have with administrators, staff, and families. At Kansas Advocates for Better Care, we believe everyone deserves compassionate, dignified, and person-centered long-term care. Asking the right questions is the first step to getting it.

Advocacy in Action (May 2025): Statewide Senior Resource Directory Secured in FY 2026 Budget!

By Lenette Hamm • May 1, 2025
Thanks to the dedicated advocacy of KABC and our coalition partners, Kansas has taken a major step forward in improving access to long-term care information. We’re thrilled to share that the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget includes $190,000 in dedicated funding for the creation of a comprehensive statewide senior resource directory , a direct result of our persistent efforts to ensure older adults and their families can navigate care options with confidence and clarity. Language in the approved budget bill reads: “That expenditures in an amount of not less than $190,000 shall be made by the above agency from such account during fiscal year 2026 to create a comprehensive statewide resource directory to provide essential information on long-term care options: And provided further, That such directory shall be accessible in an up-to-date online version as well as in a printable version.” This is a huge win for older Kansans, caregivers, and care professionals , and it builds directly on the success of local efforts like the Douglas County Senior Resource Directory . We know that when people have access to clear, trustworthy information, they are better equipped to make decisions that support dignity, independence, and well-being in aging. We are proud that our voice, and YOURS, was heard. From providing testimony, to meeting with legislators, to amplifying the call for this essential resource, this achievement belongs to all of us who believe that quality care begins with access to information. Next Steps: We’ll be working closely with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services to support the development of this directory and ensure it meets the needs of Kansans statewide, both in print and online. T hank you for standing with us. This is advocacy in action and together, we’re making a difference.