Touring an adult family home in King County is your best chance to see what daily life will actually be like for your parent. But without the right questions, tours can blur together — every home shows you a tidy living room and a smiling caregiver.
Here's the question list we give families, organized by what matters most.
Licensing and background
Start with the non-negotiables:
- Is this home licensed by DSHS? Every AFH in Washington must be licensed under Chapter 388-76 WAC.
- When was the last DSHS inspection, and were there any deficiencies? The home should offer this readily.
- What is the current number of residents? AFHs are licensed for 2–6.
Care and staffing
This is where the tour script fades and the real picture emerges:
- What is the caregiver-to-resident ratio on each shift?
- How is medication administered? Is there a licensed RN delegator, and how often do they visit?
- Who handles new medication delegation when a prescription changes?
- What training do caregivers receive, and how much turnover is there?
- How do staff document daily care?
The assessment process
In Washington, the assessment is not optional — it's the step that makes a placement safe:
- Has the mandatory RN pre-placement assessment been completed for this move-in?
- Can the home share the assessment report with us?
- What happens if the assessment finds needs the home can't meet?
The pre-placement assessment is a flat $450 in King County with a written report within 48 hours — and it must be done before a new resident moves in. Learn what the report covers and how to schedule it.
Daily life
- What do meals look like, and can the home accommodate dietary needs?
- What activities are offered, and do residents go on outings?
- How are family visits handled — open-door or scheduled?
- What is the plan for emergencies or a resident's change in condition?
Money and contracts
- What is the monthly rate, and what's included vs billed separately?
- Are there move-in or additional fees?
- What is the discharge policy, and how much notice is required?
What to look for beyond the answers
Notice the non-verbal cues: Do residents look comfortable and engaged? Do caregivers speak to residents warmly? Is the home clean without smelling of heavy air freshener? Are you invited to see bedrooms and bathrooms, or just the common areas?
After the tour
Compare your notes across the homes you visited, then narrow to the two or three that felt right. Before choosing, confirm the mandatory assessment can be completed in time for your move-in date. Our King County guide walks through the full decision, and when you're ready, book the assessment — we serve Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and every King County community.