Checklists 9 min read Senior Care Path Editorial· February 2026
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Retirement Home
Bring this list of essential questions to every tour so you can compare communities with confidence.
Before you tour
- Is the community licensed, and by which provincial authority?
- What care levels are offered, and what happens as needs increase?
- What is the all-in monthly cost, and what triggers increases?
Care & staffing
- What is the resident-to-staff ratio during days, evenings, and nights?
- Is there a nurse on site 24/7?
- How is medication managed?
- What is staff turnover like?
Daily life
- Can we see a sample weekly activity calendar and menu?
- Are pets welcome? Are couples accommodated?
- How are residents matched to dining and social groups?
The fine print
- What is the move-in and move-out notice policy?
- Are there entrance fees or deposits?
- How are complaints and incidents handled and documented?
Visit more than once, at different times of day, and trust how the community feels — not just how it looks.
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Our advisors can help you apply this to your family — free and confidential.
