Your ears will tell you if the setting is a friendly place to live. Listen to the conversations between residents and staff. They should not use childish nicknames for residents, or talk about them as if they weren't present, or treat them like children. Residents should be willing to speak freely to you in front of the staff. Try to visit at mealtime.
Meals are very important to the medical and emotional well-being of residents.
Observe whether most of the residents eat in the dining room and receive assistance if they need it. Ask some residents how they like the food. Documents to Review Tour as much of the long term care setting as you can, including the kitchen, laundry, therapy rooms, residents' rooms, dining area, lounges, activities rooms, and library. If family members or friends of current residents are visiting, ask a few of them for their impressions. Request to see a copy of the most recent Department of Health and Senior Services inspection report.