How to choose a senior living community
Choosing a senior living community involves matching the level of care to the person’s needs, confirming the facility is licensed, reading its inspection and complaint history, and visiting more than once at different times of day.[1][2] In California, inspection reports for licensed residential care facilities are public and searchable online, and nursing homes can be compared on Medicare’s Care Compare.[3][4]
Step-by-step checklist
- Assess needs. List the help needed with activities of daily living, medications, memory and medical care, and talk with the person’s health care provider.[5][6]
- Pick the type of setting. Use the comparison of senior living types.
- Set a budget. Compare local median costs and payment sources.[7]
- Build a shortlist of licensed providers. Use the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), your local Area Agency on Aging, the CDSS Care Facility Search for RCFEs, and Care Compare for nursing homes.[8][9][4]
- Check records. Read inspection reports, complaint investigations and star ratings (see below).[2][10]
- Visit at different times of day and meet the facility’s leaders.[1]
- Ask the questions below and get fees and services in writing.
- Plan the transition. Get to know staff before the move and check in regularly afterward.[8]
Checking licenses and inspection reports
Assisted living and residential care homes (California)
RCFEs must receive an annual unannounced inspection, and inspection reports, lists of deficiencies and plans of correction are open to the public.[3] The CDSS Care Facility Search shows each facility’s license status, capacity, visit dates and reports.[9] Families can also ask the local CDSS regional office to review a facility file, which contains evaluation visits and substantiated complaints.[2] See California RCFE licensing.
Nursing homes
Care Compare gives each nursing home an overall rating of 1 to 5 stars plus separate ratings for health inspections, staffing and quality measures. CMS advises using the ratings together with a visit and other sources.[10] NIA also points to the Joint Commission’s Quality Check.[8]
Home care
In California, confirm that a home care agency holds a Home Care Organization license and that aides appear on the Home Care Aide Registry.[11][12]
Questions to ask on a tour
These questions are adapted from NIA guidance.[1]
- How does staff care for residents? Do staff speak to residents with patience and respect?
- Are residents clean and well cared for? Are mealtimes comfortable?
- Is the facility well maintained? Does it look and smell clean?
- What activities are planned?
- How many staff are on site, and how many are trained to provide medical care?
- Is there a doctor who checks on residents regularly? How often?
- Is there a special unit for people with dementia, and does it cost more?
- Is there a safe place to go outside?
- What is included in the fee, and what costs extra?
Additional questions many families ask: How are fee increases handled and with how much notice? What happens if care needs increase beyond what the license allows? For memory care in California, ask for the facility’s written description of its dementia care features.[13]
Where to get independent help
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: free, confidential advocates for residents of long-term care facilities; California’s 24-hour CRISISline is 1-800-231-4024.[14]
- Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116.[15]
- CDSS complaints about a licensed facility: 1-844-538-8766.[2]
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a California assisted living facility's inspection record?
Search the facility in the CDSS Care Facility Search, which lists license status, visit dates and inspection and complaint reports, or ask the CDSS regional office to review the facility file.[9][2]
Should I visit a facility more than once?
Yes. NIA recommends visiting at different times of day and meeting the facility's leaders to understand how it works and treats residents.[1]
Are nursing home star ratings enough to decide?
No. CMS cautions that no rating system addresses every consideration and recommends combining Care Compare ratings with a visit and other sources.[10]
See also
References
Web pages accessed September 28, 2026 unless noted. See sources and methodology.
- ^ "Alzheimer's Caregiving: Finding Long-Term Care". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Resources for Residents and Families (Senior Care Licensing)". California Department of Social Services.
- ^ "California Health and Safety Code §1569.33 (inspections of RCFEs)". California Legislative Information.
- ^ "Care Compare (find and compare nursing homes, home health agencies and hospices)". Medicare.gov. Search tool.
- ^ "What Is Long-Term Care?". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Cost of Care Survey 2025: national median costs". CareScout (formerly the Genworth Cost of Care Survey). Survey fielded July–November 2025.
- ^ "Long-Term Care Facilities: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and Other Residential Care". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Care Facility Search". California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Search tool.
- ^ "Five-Star Quality Rating System". Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- ^ "Home Care Services". California Department of Social Services.
- ^ "California Home Care Aide Registry". California Department of Social Services. Search tool.
- ^ "California Health and Safety Code §1569.626 (dementia care disclosures)". California Legislative Information.
- ^ "Long-Term Care Ombudsman". California Department of Aging.
- ^ "Eldercare Locator". Administration for Community Living.