Your BC Care Home Visit Checklist: 25 Questions to Ask

You can research a care home online. You can read reviews, check quality data, and look at photos. But you still won't know what it's really like until you visit. The only way to understand a facility is to walk through it, talk to staff, and observe the residents.

Plan to visit at least two or three facilities. This gives you a basis for comparison. If possible, visit your top choice at different times of day. A morning tour shows the daytime routine. An evening visit reveals how the facility handles quieter hours.

The people providing care matter more than the building. Ask these five questions about staffing:

1. What is your staff-to-resident ratio on day, evening, and night shifts? — Night shifts typically have fewer staff. Know the ratios and how they compare to other facilities.
2. What qualifications and training do care aides receive? — In BC, care aides must complete a Health Care Assistant program. Ask about ongoing training, especially for dementia care.
3. What is your staff turnover rate? — High turnover means residents constantly adjust to new caregivers. Consistency matters, especially for people with dementia.
4. Is there a registered nurse on site 24/7? — Long-term care facilities should have RN coverage around the clock. Some assisted living facilities may not.
5. Do you have staff who speak my parent's language? — For non-English-speaking seniors, caregivers who speak their language can make a huge difference. You can search for multilingual facilities on CareCompare.

Your parent will be living here. What's daily life actually like?

1. Can I see a typical daily activity schedule? — Good facilities have regular programming: exercise, music, crafts, outings, and social events. Boredom is a real quality-of-life issue.
2. What are the meals like? Can I try one? — Food is a huge part of daily satisfaction. Ask about dietary needs, cultural food options, and whether snacks are available between meals.
3. What are the visiting hours? — Open visiting policies are a good sign. Restricted hours may mean management values control over family involvement.
4. Is there outdoor space? — Access to gardens, patios, or walking paths matters for both physical and mental health.
5. Can my parent personalize their room? — Bringing familiar furniture, photos, and personal items helps the space feel like home.

These questions dig into the actual care your parent will receive:

1. How do you manage medications? — Ask about how they dispense and track medications. Ask how errors are prevented and reported.
2. What is your fall prevention program? — Falls are the leading cause of injury in care homes. Ask about assessments, bed alarms, and how often fall risk is reviewed.
3. How often are care plans updated? — Care plans should be reviewed at least every 3-6 months. They should also be updated when there's a significant change in condition.
4. How do you communicate with families about changes? — Ask how they notify you if your parent falls, gets sick, or has a change in condition. Same day? Phone call or just a note in the chart?
5. What happens if my parent's needs increase? — Can they age in place? Or will they need to move to a different facility for more care?

Get clarity on costs before you sign anything:

1. What is included in the monthly rate? — Get a written breakdown. Some facilities include everything. Others charge extra for laundry, cable, personal care supplies, or outings.
2. What happens to the rate if care needs increase? — Many private facilities have care tiers with increasing costs. Understand what triggers a rate increase.
3. How often do rates increase? — Ask about annual increases and how much notice you'll get. Some contracts allow unlimited increases.
4. Is there a move-in fee or deposit? — Some private facilities charge a community fee ($1,000-$5,000) that isn't refundable.
5. What is the move-out policy? — How much notice is required? What happens to the deposit? What are the terms if your parent needs to move to a higher level of care?

Beyond the questions, pay attention to what you see and feel during your tour:

• Persistent odours: A lingering smell of urine or heavy chemical cleaners suggests poor hygiene or understaffing
• Residents left alone: Are people sitting in hallways with no interaction? Are call bells going unanswered?
• Staff demeanour: Are staff warm and engaged, or rushed and indifferent? Watch how they speak to residents, not just to you.
• Noise levels: Constant TV noise, residents calling out without response, or an eerily quiet unit can all be warning signs
• Evasive answers: Staff who dodge questions about staffing ratios, complaints, or turnover may be hiding problems

Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, it probably is. And if a facility genuinely impresses you, that's a strong signal too. When residents look comfortable, staff are engaged, and the environment feels warm, you're likely looking at a good home.

How many care homes should I tour?

At least two or three. This gives you a basis for comparison. More is better if you have the time and energy. Each visit will sharpen your sense of what matters most.

Can I visit a care home unannounced?

For publicly funded facilities, families have the right to visit at any time. Private facilities may have different policies. An unannounced visit during a meal or evening gives you a more realistic picture than a scheduled marketing tour.

What should I bring on a care home tour?

Bring a notebook and pen, a printed copy of this checklist, and your parent's medical summary if the facility wants to assess care needs. Bring a family member or friend for a second perspective. Take photos if the facility allows it.