How do you check an assisted living facility's inspection reports?
Why assisted living isn't on Care Compare
Medicare's Care Compare tool rates nursing homes that are certified by Medicare and Medicaid. Assisted living works differently. These communities are licensed and regulated at the state level, and Medicare generally doesn't pay for long-term care in assisted living.
That means there is no single national rating for assisted living. Each state sets its own rules for things like staffing, training, medication help and how often inspections happen. Some states even use different names, such as residential care, personal care homes or board and care. If you're also looking at nursing homes, see how to check a nursing home inspection record.
Find your state's licensing lookup
- Find the right agency. In many states it's the health department or the department of social or human services. Searching your state's name plus "assisted living license lookup" usually turns up the official page.
- Search by facility name or city. Confirm the license is active and matches the type of care your parent needs, such as memory care.
- Open the inspection and complaint history. Look at several years, not just the latest visit.
- If reports aren't online, ask. Call the agency and ask how to get copies of recent inspections and complaint investigations.
You can also ask the facility to show you its most recent inspection report. A well-run community should be willing to walk you through it.
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Find licensed care near youHow to read citations and deficiencies
When an inspector finds that a facility didn't meet a state rule, it's usually written up as a citation, violation or deficiency. Wording differs by state, but these tips help:
- Look at what happened, not just the count. A paperwork slip is different from a missed medication or an unreported fall.
- Watch for repeats. The same problem cited again and again suggests it was never truly fixed.
- Check the plan of correction. Many states require the facility to explain how it fixed each problem.
- Note any serious actions. Fines, conditions on the license or limits on new admissions are worth asking about.
One citation isn't always a deal-breaker. Ask the director what changed afterward and whether staff training was updated.
Complaints and the long-term care ombudsman
Every state has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman program that advocates for people living in nursing homes, assisted living and board and care homes. Ombudsman services are free and confidential. They can't recommend one facility over another, but they can explain your state's rules and what to watch for.
If your parent already lives in assisted living and something feels wrong, you can contact the ombudsman or file a complaint with the state licensing agency. Many families find it helps to keep notes with dates and names. You can find your local program through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or through your Area Agency on Aging.
Put the reports together with a visit
Inspection reports are a snapshot. Pair them with an in-person visit, ideally at a mealtime, and talk with residents and families if you can. Ask about staff turnover, who helps with medications, and what happens if your parent's needs grow. If memory loss is part of the picture, our guide on when it's time for memory care can help you plan ahead.
seniorcare.si can show licensed assisted living near your ZIP code.
Common questions
Does Medicare rate assisted living facilities?
No. Medicare's Care Compare covers nursing homes, not assisted living. Assisted living is licensed and inspected by each state.
How often are assisted living facilities inspected?
It depends on the state. Each state sets its own inspection schedule, and complaints can also lead to extra visits. Your state licensing agency can tell you how often it inspects.
Is a facility with citations a bad choice?
Not always. Look at how serious the problems were, whether they repeat, and how the facility fixed them. Ask the director to explain any citation you're unsure about.
Who can help if I have a concern about my parent's care?
Your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman offers free, confidential help with problems in assisted living. You can also file a complaint with the state licensing agency.