Listen for noise levels. Does the noise level in the dining room seem comfortable? Are there residents who cry out or make other distractions difficult to hear? This is something that must be taken into consideration. Listen to see if music is played over an intercom system and if so, if it is something that would be enjoyable or annoying in the long-term.

Staff members should wear easy to read name tags for easy identification. Name tags should also identify the person’s position on staff. All staff should be respectful, polite, neat in appearance, and caring. Watch staff interactions with residents to ensure that residents receive quality care. Look for signs that staff members respect the rights of the residents. Knocking before entering a room is one indication. Listen to hear if staff address residents with kind tones.

Talk to the dietary staff. Find out if food choices are available or if all residents dine from the same basic menu at mealtime. Ask if favorite foods are available or if family can bring special foods as a treat. Ask if guests are welcome to join residents at meals and what the cost for a guest meal ticket may be. Other questions that should be asked would include information about holiday dinners, special diets, and taste. Tour the kitchen area and look for clean surfaces. If possible, try a meal to see if it is palatable and tasty.

A good care facility should offer an activity director with a wide variety of activities for both ambulatory residents and those who may be bedfast. Ask if continuing education programs are available and check the social calendar to see if there are musical performances, visiting talent, book groups or other amusements. See if daily newspapers are brought in for residents and if magazines are on hand. See if exercise programs are ongoing and if there are hands-on crafts. Ask if pets are ever brought to visit and if a special pet can come along on visits.

Make sure that staff members have a background check on hiring. This is one way to make sure that staff members lack a past history of elder abuse or criminal activities.