Retirement Home Touring Checklist
Questions to ask — and things to notice — when visiting a retirement home. Take this with you. The best tours happen when you're prepared.
Care and staffing
- What care services are included in the base rate, and which are charged separately?
- How is a resident's care plan developed, and how often is it reviewed?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day? At night?
- Is a registered nurse on duty 24 hours a day, or on call?
- What happens if my parent's care needs increase significantly?
- How are medications managed, stored, and administered?
- What training do personal support workers (PSWs) receive?
- Is there a physiotherapist or occupational therapist available?
- What is the process for communicating with families about a resident's health?
Safety and security
- Is the building equipped with a fire sprinkler system?
- What is the emergency call system — in suites, bathrooms, and common areas?
- How quickly does staff respond to an emergency call?
- Is the building secure? How is visitor access managed?
- Are there grab bars and non-slip surfaces in bathrooms?
- What is the protocol if a resident falls?
- Is there a secured memory care unit? Is it physically separate?
- What is the evacuation plan and how are residents supported?
Meals and nutrition
- How many meals and snacks are included per day?
- Can you see the weekly menu? Is there variety?
- How are dietary restrictions, allergies, and cultural preferences accommodated?
- What are the dining room hours? Is flexibility offered?
- Can a resident eat in their suite if they prefer?
- Is a registered dietitian involved in menu planning?
- What happens if a resident has difficulty swallowing or eating independently?
- Can guests join for meals, and at what cost?
Lifestyle and community
- What programs and activities are offered weekly?
- Is there outdoor space — a patio, garden, or courtyard?
- Are there opportunities to leave the building for outings?
- Is transportation available for medical appointments?
- How are residents' personal preferences and interests incorporated?
- Is there a residents' council or committee?
- What faith or cultural communities does the home serve or accommodate?
- Are pets allowed? What are the rules?
- Is there Wi-Fi? Is it included?
Contracts and costs
- What is included in the monthly fee, and what is extra?
- What has the annual rate increase been over the past three years?
- What triggers a rate increase within a contract year?
- What is the notice period required to leave?
- Under what circumstances can the home terminate a resident's stay?
- Is there a move-in fee or community fee?
- What is the refund policy if a resident leaves within the first 30 days?
- Is the home's RHRA licence in good standing? Have there been recent compliance orders?
What to notice during your visit
- Does the building smell clean? Odours are a meaningful signal.
- How do staff interact with residents — warmly and by name?
- Are residents engaged and visible in common areas, or mostly in their suites?
- Is the dining room pleasant? Listen to the noise level and observe the atmosphere.
- Are common areas clean and well-maintained?
- Talk to a resident or family member without staff present if possible.
- Visit at different times of day if you can — a lunch visit shows very different things than a morning tour.
- Trust your instincts. The feeling of a place matters.
This checklist covers the most important questions for Ontario retirement homes regulated under the Retirement Homes Act, 2010. Every home's RHRA licence, compliance history, and care services are listed in the Dignified.ca directory.