What to Look for When Touring a Nursing Home: Questions to Ask & Warning Signs

Choosing a nursing home is never easy — but touring the facility in person can reveal the truth behind the brochure. What should you look for when touring a nursing home? This guide breaks down the most important questions to ask and the warning signs that may indicate substandard care, neglect, or even abuse. Whether you're just starting your search or narrowing down options, these tips will help you make a safer, more informed decision for your loved one.

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1. Facility Cleanliness and Maintenance: A Window into Overall Care and Quality

The overall cleanliness of a nursing home is often one of the most visible indicators of how well the facility is managed — and how much attention is given to resident care. If there’s little concern for maintaining clean and safe surroundings, it may reflect deeper issues with staff oversight, infection control, and resident dignity.

CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS DURING YOUR TOUR

• Are the common areas clean, well-maintained, and free from clutter and debris?

• Are there any unpleasant odors (keeping in mind that occasional "accident" are common)? If so, are they being addressed?

• Is the staff attentive to maintaining cleanliness in resident rooms, hallways, and dining areas?

RED FLAGS: Lingering odors, dirty floors or furniture, overflowing trash cans, or cluttered hallways. These signs may indicate neglect, inadequate cleaning protocols, or a lack of staff accountability — all of which can impact resident health and safety.

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2. Staff: Experience, Turnover, and How They Shape Resident Well-Being

Nursing home staff play a central role in the daily lives of residents. A compassionate, consistent, and well-trained team is essential for high-quality care. In contrast, frequent turnover, lack of supervision, or burnout can lead to neglect, emotional distress, and serious gaps in resident safety. Pay attention not just to staffing numbers, but to how staff interact with each other — and with the residents.

CONSIDER THESE QUESTION DURING YOUR TOUR

• How long have staff members and supervisors worked at the facility?

• Ask staff members how they cope with the loss of residents. Do they sound compassionate or disconnected?

• Do the staff look happy and engaged, or robotic and withdrawn?

• How do staff members interact with residents, and how do staff members treat each other?

Red Flags: High staff turnover, visible frustration or stress, indifferent interactions with residents, or an overall atmosphere of disengagement. These issues may indicate poor management, inadequate training, or an unsafe staffing environment.

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3. Resident Interactions and Appearance: How Staff Behavior Reflects Care

Observe how nursing home staff interact with residents — especially when they don’t know they’re being watched. Positive, respectful interactions are a strong indicator of a facility’s culture and level of care. Regardless of a resident’s physical or cognitive condition, they should always be treated with dignity, kindness, and patience.

CONSIDER THESE QUESTION DURING YOUR TOUR

• Are the residents clean, well-groomed, and appropriately dressed?

• Do staff greet residents by their name and engage warmly?

• Are call lights answered promptly, or left unanswered?

• How do staff communicate with residents, including those who may be non-verbal or who may have cognitive impairments?

Red Flags: Dismissive or impatient behavior, unkempt residents, unanswered call lights, or staff chatting among themselves rather than engaging with residents. These signs may point to deeper issues like understaffing, poor supervision, or even nursing home neglect.

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 4. Activities and Resident Engagement: Ensuring Quality of Life and Social Connection

A well-run nursing home provides more than just medical care — it fosters community, mental stimulation, and emotional support. Engaging residents in meaningful activities is essential for reducing isolation, maintaining cognitive function, and improving overall quality of life. During your tour, observe whether residents are encouraged to participate, or left idle and alone.

CONSIDER THESE QUESTION DURING YOUR TOUR

• Is there a posted schedule of activities visible to residents and visitors?

• Are group activities actually taking place as scheduled or are activity rooms sitting empty?

• Do residents appear engaged, or withdrawn and disinterested?

• Are outdoor areas accessible and used for recreation or fresh air?

• Does staff encourage participation, especially for residents with mobility or memory challenges

Red Flags: Empty activity rooms during scheduled times, residents left alone for long periods, or a lack of meaningful interaction. These may indicate poor staffing levels, resident neglect, or a failure to meet emotional and social care standards.

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5. Safety and Security: Protecting Residents from Hazards and Harm

Safety should be a top priority in any nursing home. From secure entry points to clear emergency exits, the facility’s environment must be designed to prevent injuries, elopement, and accidents. Residents with mobility issues, dementia, or fall risk require heightened supervision and safety measures. Look for signs that the facility is actively managing risks rather than reacting after harm occurs.

CONSIDER THESE QUESTION DURING YOUR TOUR

• Are there handrails in hallways and grab bars near toilets and showers?

• Are there call lights or call buttons in resident rooms and bathrooms? Are they easily accessible?

• What safeguards are in place to prevent residents with dementia or cognitive impairment from wandering (elopement)?

• Can the exterior doors be opened from the outside without security measures?

• Is the outdoor space secured, well-lit, and properly fenced?

• Does the facility have security cameras?

• Are visitors required to sign a log?

Red Flags: Missing or broken handrails, unsecured exterior doors, poorly lit hallways, or lack of security cameras. Be especially cautious if residents appear unsupervised near exits or if the facility fails to monitor visitors — these lapses can lead to serious injuries, elopement, or abuse by unauthorized individuals.

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 6. Food and Dining Services: Nutrition, Dignity, and Mealtime Support

Good nutrition is essential to both physical and emotional health in nursing home residents. Beyond just calories, the dining experience should promote social interaction, dignity, and a sense of normalcy. Meals that are appealing, accessible, and appropriately supervised help residents stay engaged, nourished, and safe.

CONSIDER THESE QUESTION DURING YOUR TOUR

• Are meals prepared fresh on-site, and served hot?

• Is there a posted weekly menu with variety and choices?

• Are alternatives available if a resident doesn’t want the main entrée?

• Are snacks or supplements offered between meals?

• Do residents eat together in communal dining rooms, or alone in their rooms?

• How are dietary restrictions — such as low-sodium, diabetic, or mechanical soft diets — handled?

• Are staff present to assist residents with eating, and are they patient and respectful?

• Is the dining area clean, well-lit, and welcoming?

Red Flags: Meals that are cold, repetitive, or nutritionally inadequate. Residents eating alone without support. Dirty or chaotic dining rooms. Lack of staff assistance for residents who need help eating. These issues may point to neglect, staffing shortages, or disregard for residents’ dignity and well-being.

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Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Even after thorough research, touring facilities, and asking the right questions, nursing homes may still fall short delivering on their promises. When things go wrong, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your loved one’s rights and well-being.

At FIDJ, we hold Florida health care facilities, including nursing homes, accountable for abuse, neglect, and wrongful death. If your loved one has been injured by a Florida nursing home, contact the experienced attorneys at FIDJ for a FREE case review.