How to Prepare for an Adult Family Home Tour: Questions to Ask
A tour is your best chance to evaluate fit. These are the high-value questions that separate a well-run adult family home from one that just looks good on the surface.
Licensing and Compliance
Ask: What is your license number and DDA certification status? Can I see your most recent DSHS inspection report? Have there been any enforcement actions? A reputable provider answers immediately and documents readily.
Vague answers or reluctance to share inspection reports are a red flag, not a privacy courtesy.
Staffing and Behavioral Support
Ask: What is your staff-to-resident ratio on waking and overnight shifts? Is overnight staffing awake or on-call? How are staff trained in ABA principles and the Behavioral Support Plan? Who collects behavior data and how often is it reported?
For residents with behavioral support needs, these answers determine whether the home can actually implement the BSP across all 24 hours.
Medical and Medication
Ask: Who is your delegating RN and how often do they review residents? How are medications stored and documented (digital MAR)? What is the protocol for a missed dose or a medication refusal? How are medical appointments coordinated?
Medical safety is where corners get cut in underperforming homes - verify the process, don't accept assurances.
Environment, Safety, and Communication
Ask to see a resident bedroom and the common areas. Ask about elopement controls, emergency procedures, and the daily routine. Ask: How often will I receive updates, and who is my point of contact? What is the visitation policy?
Observe how current residents interact with staff and how the environment feels - calm and structured, or chaotic and reactive. Trust that impression.
About the author
The Avenue Home Care Team includes licensed adult family home administrators, trained direct support professionals, and a contracted Registered Nurse with combined experience in DDA residential care, ABA-informed behavioral support, and RN delegation in Washington State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring the resident on the tour?+
Whenever possible, yes. The resident's comfort and reaction to the environment and staff are critical placement signals, and involving them eases transition. If a first visit is better done by the guardian alone, schedule a follow-up introduction.
Have questions about placement at Avenue Home?
Our intake team responds to DDA referrals within 24 business hours.
Schedule a Tour or Submit Referral