Questions-to-ask checklist
Use this free printable checklist to feel more prepared before you tour a small adult family home. It helps you ask clear questions, compare homes side by side, and keep notes in one place.
What this checklist is
This page gives you a free downloadable PDF with simple questions to ask when you visit an adult family home, adult foster care home, or board-and-care home.
It is made for families who want a calm, organized way to compare homes. You can print it, share it with a sibling or friend, and bring it on every tour.
Download the checklist PDF to start using it. It is a tool only. HearthRow does not run the home, and we do not make care decisions for you.
What is inside the PDF
The worksheet covers the main topics families usually want to ask about:
- The home’s current state license or certification
- Who lives in the home and how many residents it serves
- Daily routines, meals, and help with personal care
- Staff presence, training, and how the home handles nights and weekends
- House rules, visiting, languages spoken, and religious or cultural needs
- Room options, furniture, laundry, and shared spaces
- Typical room-and-board costs and what may be extra
- How to write notes after each tour so you can compare later
It is meant to be simple and easy to use, even if English is not your first language.
How it helps during a tour
A tour can feel fast, and it is easy to forget what you wanted to ask. This checklist helps you slow down and focus on the things that matter most to your family.
It also helps you compare homes fairly. One home may feel warm and welcoming, but another may better fit your budget, schedule, or comfort level. Writing answers down side by side can make the choice clearer.
You should always confirm the home’s current state license or certification yourself and ask to tour before deciding. Rules, services, and costs vary widely by state and by home.
How to use it for budgeting
The checklist includes questions that can help you ask about typical costs in plain language. In many states, room and board is paid privately, while Medicaid waivers may help with the personal-care part for people who qualify.
These are only general examples, not quotes. Ask the home what is included, what costs extra, and when fees can change. Then compare that information with your own budget and with any help you may already receive.
If Medicaid is part of your planning, check your state’s Medicaid program or speak with your local agency directly. That information is separate from finding a home.
A gentle way to compare homes
You do not need to know everything on the first visit. It is okay to take your time, ask the same questions in each home, and bring someone you trust.
If you want help finding licensed adult family homes near you, HearthRow can connect you with homes in your area for free. Some homes pay HearthRow a flat fee when we connect them with a family. It never changes what you pay, and you are never under any obligation.
For more tips on choosing a home, you can also visit our guides.
This free PDF helps you tour adult family homes with more confidence by giving you simple questions, note space, and budget prompts.