Before you go: check the record
Pull up the facility's CareProof profile and the official Care Compare page. Note the overall rating, staffing versus the state average, the most recent survey date, any severe deficiencies, and any recent fines. Bring specific questions about anything that stands out.
Staffing questions
Ask: What is your nurse-to-resident ratio on days, evenings, and weekends? How long have your director of nursing and administrator been here? What is your staff turnover rate? Consistent, tenured staff is a strong quality signal that ratings alone won't show.
Care and safety questions
Ask: How do you prevent falls and pressure ulcers? What was your most recent deficiency and how did you fix it? How do you handle a medical emergency at 2 a.m.? How do you communicate changes in a resident's condition to family?
Trust your observations
On the tour, notice whether call lights are answered promptly, whether residents are clean and engaged, whether the building smells clean, and whether staff greet residents by name. Visit unannounced at a mealtime or on a weekend if you can — that's when thin staffing shows.