The Ultimate Adult Family Home Tour Checklist for Washington Families (25 Questions to Ask)

Touring an Adult Family Home is the single most important step in the search process — but most families arrive unprepared and leave with more questions than answers. This checklist gives Snohomish County families the exact questions to ask and things to observe when visiting any AFH in the Everett area.

Before You Visit: Do This First

Verify license status through the Washington State DSHS Adult Family Home Locator at dshs.wa.gov. Check inspection history — DSHS conducts unannounced inspections approximately every 15 months. Look up cited violations and ask providers to explain them. A quality home has nothing to hide. Washington AFHs are licensed under RCW 70.128 — up to six residents under a standard license, up to eight with a specialty endorsement.

Staffing Questions (Most Critical)

1. Are staff awake 24 hours a day, or is there a period where residents are unsupervised at night? 2. What is the caregiver-to-resident ratio during the day and at night? 3. How long has the current primary caregiver worked here? 4. What certifications do caregivers hold? (CNA, HCA, specialized dementia or Parkinson's training?) 5. What happens when a caregiver calls in sick? 6. Does the owner or operator live on site?

Care Quality Questions

7. How is each resident's care plan created, and how often is it reviewed? 8. How do you handle medication management — who administers and how is it tracked? 9. What is your process when a resident's health declines significantly? 10. Do you work with a visiting physician or nurse practitioner? 11. How do you handle medical emergencies and hospitalizations? 12. Can you accommodate my loved one's specific condition? (Ask about Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, wound care, hospice.)

Cost and Contract Questions

13. What is the monthly rate and exactly what is included? 14. What services cost extra? 15. Do you accept Medicaid? If starting on private pay, when can a resident transition to Medicaid? 16. What is the contract structure — month-to-month or long-term? 17. What is your discharge policy and under what circumstances would a resident need to leave?

Environment and Daily Life Questions

18. Can my loved one bring personal furniture and décor? 19. What does a typical daily schedule look like? 20. What activities are offered and how often? 21. Are meals home-cooked? Can dietary restrictions be accommodated? 22. Are family visits welcome at any time, including mealtimes?

What to Observe During the Visit

23. Does the home smell clean and fresh — not masked with air freshener? 24. Do current residents look comfortable, engaged, and well cared for? 25. Do staff make eye contact, smile, and interact naturally with residents — or do they seem stressed or disengaged?

At Anna Home Care in Everett, we welcome every single one of these questions. We have nothing to hide and are proud of the care we provide. Schedule a tour or call (206) 657-3021 anytime.