Step 1
Define Care Needs
Document required care level, mobility needs, memory support, medication complexity, and preferred location before touring homes.
Caregiver Guide
A practical roadmap for families evaluating adult family homes in Washington State, from first search to move-in planning.
Step 2
Build a Shortlist
Compare facilities by licensing status, care specialties, staffing fit, and budget alignment. Save favorites to organize side-by-side review.
Step 3
Tour and Validate
Visit top homes, interview staff, review contracts, and verify operational readiness before making a final decision.
Tour Checklist
- Confirm license status and any enforcement history.
- Ask about caregiver staffing, shift coverage, and overnight support.
- Review medication management workflow and escalation process.
- Understand base pricing vs add-on costs.
- Observe cleanliness, odors, meal quality, and resident engagement.
- Ask how falls, wandering, and emergencies are handled.
- Request references from current or former families.
Questions to Ask
- What resident profiles are the best fit for this home?
- How are care plans created, reviewed, and updated?
- Who communicates with family members and how often?
- What happens when resident needs increase over time?
- How do you coordinate with primary care and specialists?
- What is included in the monthly rate and what is extra?
Red Flags
Be cautious if staff cannot explain care escalation, medication controls, staffing coverage, incident response, or pricing transparency.
After You Choose a Home
- Confirm a move-in timeline and required documentation.
- Share medication list, physician contacts, and emergency contacts.
- Coordinate transition plan for routines, diet, and communication preferences.
- Schedule a 30-day care-plan review with the operator.
Start Your Search
Browse licensed homes, compare profiles, and track your top options in one place.