In short
An elder care checklist is a list of questions to ask before choosing a provider. Our printable lists cover nursing homes, hospices and other care, built on Medicare and National Institute on Aging guidance. Take one on each visit or call, note the answers, and compare providers with our scorecard afterward.
The checklists
Questions to ask assisted living before you sign
Printable questions about the assisted living contract: fees, care levels, increases, discharge reasons, refunds and what happens if needs change.
Tool ReadPrintable checklistQuestions to ask the doctor about dementia
A printable list of questions for a doctor visit about memory changes: causes, tests, diagnosis, treatment, safety, driving and next steps.
Tool ReadPrintable checklistHow to choose a home health agency
Questions to ask a Medicare-certified home health agency about visits, staff, care plans and after-hours help, and how to check its star ratings.
Tool ReadPrintable checklistQuestions to ask a hospice before you choose
A printable list of questions to ask a hospice about visits, after-hours help, levels of care, respite, quality ratings and costs, built on Medicare rules.
Tool ReadPrintable checklistHow to choose a nursing home: the questions to ask
A printable list of questions to ask on a nursing home tour: staffing, care plans, inspections, therapy, costs and Medicaid, plus what to check first.
Tool ReadTips for using them
- Ask the same questions of every provider
- Write down who answered and when
- Ask to see things in writing, such as fee schedules
Questions families ask
What should I ask when choosing a nursing home?
Our nursing home list covers staffing, care plans, inspections and costs.
Can I print these lists?
Yes. Every list has a print button.
Should I visit more than once?
NIA suggests visiting and meeting key staff; a second visit at a different time of day helps.
How do I compare answers?
Use our provider scorecard to rate up to three providers side by side.