Spectrum Arch, Inc.A residential home can look good on a tour and still be the wrong place for your son or daughter. The layout and paint matter less than how the home actually runs day to day. These are the questions we think every family should ask.
Staffing
- How many staff are on each shift, including overnight? Are overnight staff awake?
- How long have the current staff worked here? What is turnover like?
- What training do staff get, especially around autism, communication, and behavior support?
- Will my family member have consistent staff, or different people every week?
Daily life
- What does a typical weekday and weekend look like for residents?
- How are individual routines and sensory needs handled in a shared home?
- Who plans meals, and how are food preferences and restrictions managed?
- How much say do residents have in their own schedules and their rooms?
Health
- Who gives medications, and how is that checked?
- How are doctor and dental appointments arranged, and who goes with residents?
- What happens if someone gets sick in the night?
Community
- How often do residents go out, and where?
- Can residents keep their job, day program, or activities?
- How is transportation handled?
Family
- When can we visit? Can our family member come home for weekends or holidays?
- How will you communicate with us, and how quickly will we hear about incidents or health changes?
- Who is our main contact, and how do we raise a concern?
Trust what you notice
Listen to how staff talk to residents, and about them. Notice whether residents seem at home or just housed. Ask if you can come back at a different time of day. A good home will be glad you asked all of this.
If you are weighing a residential home against staying at home with support, Self-Direction may also be worth a look. Read Self-Direction or agency services? or learn about Support Brokerage.