When it comes to choosing an assisted living community or memory care facility for your loved one, few decisions are more important — or more personal. Touring potential care homes in Southern Idaho, whether in Twin Falls, Jerome, or Gooding, gives you an opportunity to not only see the environment but also to ask meaningful questions that will shape your decision.
At DeSano Place, Assisted Living Homes, we encourage families to tour multiple facilities, come prepared with specific questions, and trust their instincts. The best choice isn’t always about amenities or square footage — it’s about the quality of care, the values of the staff, and how well the facility can meet your loved one’s needs, both today and tomorrow.
If you’re planning to tour assisted living or memory care communities soon, this guide outlines the must-ask questions that can help you feel confident, informed, and reassured in your decision-making process.
Before You Tour: Define Your Loved One’s Needs
Each senior has unique preferences, abilities, and care requirements. Before your visit, take a few moments to list out what your loved one needs now — and what they may need in the near future. Consider physical needs, cognitive conditions, mobility, medication management, and social interests.
This clarity will help you ask focused questions, compare options more accurately, and ensure the facility you choose can evolve with your loved one’s care plan.
Key Questions to Ask During Your Tour
Below are the most important categories to cover when speaking with staff and observing the community.
1. Care and Staff Support
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day and night?
- Are caregivers trained in dementia or memory care, if needed?
- Is there a nurse on-site or on-call 24/7?
- How are medical emergencies handled?
- How are residents’ care plans created and updated?
Understanding how care is delivered — and by whom — is one of the most critical elements of your decision. Make sure you meet key staff and observe interactions with current residents.
2. Safety and Security
- Are the premises secure, especially for residents with memory loss?
- What measures are in place to prevent falls or wandering?
- How are medications stored and administered?
- Are background checks conducted on all staff?
These questions are especially important for families considering memory care in Southern Idaho, where safety must be balanced with residents’ dignity and autonomy.
3. Daily Life and Activities
- What does a typical day look like for a resident?
- What types of activities and events are offered?
- Is there flexibility for residents to choose how they spend their time?
- Are activities designed for varying mobility or cognitive levels?
Look for facilities that offer a variety of enriching activities — including art, music, social games, light exercise, and community outings — as these are essential for emotional and cognitive health.
4. Meals and Nutrition
- Are meals prepared on-site and tailored to dietary needs?
- Can residents choose from a menu?
- Are snacks and hydration offered throughout the day?
- Can families join for meals or special events?
Ask to see a current menu, and if possible, schedule your tour around mealtime. A shared dining space is a key part of community life, and it’s often where meaningful friendships begin.
5. Living Environment and Rooms
- What room options are available — private, shared, or suites?
- Are bathrooms private and accessible?
- Can residents bring their own furniture and decorations?
- How often are rooms cleaned and laundry done?
The physical space should feel clean, comfortable, and safe — not just functional. Pay attention to whether the environment feels warm, personalized, and home-like.
Additional Questions Families Often Ask
As you tour assisted living communities in Twin Falls or nearby cities, consider asking the following to better understand how the facility aligns with your family’s values and expectations:
- What is included in the monthly cost, and what is billed separately?
- How does the facility handle residents whose needs change over time?
- What support is available for families — communication, updates, care meetings?
- Is there a waiting list, and how does the admissions process work?
- Can residents age in place, or will they need to move if care levels increase?
These questions not only clarify logistics — they reveal how proactive and transparent the community is when it comes to partnering with families.
What to Observe While Touring
Sometimes, what you see and feel during a visit is just as telling as what you hear in response to your questions. During your tour:
- Watch how staff members interact with residents — are they kind, patient, and engaged?
- Observe resident mood — do they seem content, active, or withdrawn?
- Listen for laughter, conversation, or activity — signs of a lively, positive culture.
- Pay attention to cleanliness, odors, lighting, and accessibility.
Ask yourself: Does this feel like a place my loved one would be safe, comfortable, and cared for with dignity?
Touring Memory Care? Ask These Specific Questions
If you are considering memory care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, be sure to ask:
- How does staff respond to confusion, anxiety, or agitation?
- What programs support memory retention or cognitive stimulation?
- How are residents supported with sundowning or sleep disturbances?
- Are the spaces secure but still calming and homelike?
Memory care in Southern Idaho should go beyond supervision — it should offer specialized programming and a supportive environment designed to reduce stress and foster calm.
A Final Tip: Tour More Than Once
We recommend touring facilities more than once, at different times of day. An evening visit may give you a better sense of how staff respond to nighttime needs, while a weekend visit may show how the community functions with fewer managers present. Bring a list of questions and take notes so you can compare your impressions later.
DeSano Place Welcomes You to Visit
At DeSano Place, Assisted Living Homes, we believe in transparency, compassion, and open communication. Families in Twin Falls, Jerome, and Gooding are encouraged to tour our homes, meet our staff, and experience the community firsthand.
Whether you’re evaluating assisted living or memory care, our team is happy to walk with you through every question, concern, and consideration. Your loved one deserves a place where they feel safe, valued, and supported — and we’re here to help you find it.
To schedule a tour or speak with a team member, reach out to DeSano Place today.