Before you visit
- Do you have an opening now, or a waiting list? How long is it, and how is it managed?
- Who do you serve (ages, support needs), and is there anyone you can’t support?
- What license or certification do you hold, and from which agency? What’s the license number?
- Which funding do you accept (private pay, Medicaid waivers, Auxiliary Grant, insurance)?
- Can we visit, and can the person meet residents and staff before deciding?
Staffing and care
- How many staff are on duty during the day, overnight and on weekends? Are overnight staff awake?
- What training do staff have (for example: medication, CPR and first aid, behavior support, dementia care)?
- How long have most staff worked here? How do you handle turnover?
- Who writes and updates each person’s care or support plan, and how is the family involved?
- How are medications stored, given and recorded?
- Is there a nurse or clinician involved? How do you coordinate with doctors, therapists and support coordinators?
Daily life
- What does a typical day and week look like? Can residents choose their own schedule and activities?
- Do residents take part in the community (work, day programs, outings, worship)? Is transportation provided?
- How are meals planned? Can you meet special diets and preferences?
- Are rooms private or shared? Can residents bring their own furniture and decorate?
- What are the rules for visitors, phone calls, overnight visits home and personal belongings?
- How do you support friendships, independence and personal goals?
Health and safety
- Is the home accessible for the person’s mobility needs (ramps, single level, roll-in shower, grab bars)?
- What happens in a medical emergency, and how are families told?
- How do you handle falls, behavioral crises and conflicts between residents?
- Do you use any restraints or restrictions? Under what policy and oversight?
- What fire and emergency plans do you have? When was the last drill?
- How do residents or families raise a concern or complaint, and how fast do you respond?
Costs and agreements
- What is the monthly cost, and exactly what does it include? What costs extra?
- If funding comes from a waiver or grant, what does the resident pay for room and board?
- How and when do prices change? How much notice do you give?
- Is there a deposit? What’s the refund policy if the placement ends?
- Under what circumstances could a resident be asked to leave, and what notice is given?
- Can we review the residency agreement before deciding?
Licensing and records
- Can we see your most recent inspection or licensing report? Were there any findings, and how were they fixed?
- Have you had any substantiated complaints or investigations in recent years?
- Can you give references from current or past families?
Check the provider’s license with the agency that issued it. In Virginia, homes for people with developmental disabilities are generally licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), and assisted living facilities by the Department of Social Services (VDSS).
After the visit
- Ask the person how they felt there. Did they seem comfortable and respected?
- Compare homes side by side. Save them on HavenMatch and use “Compare saved homes.”
- Talk it over with the person’s support coordinator, case manager or care team.
- If something felt off, visit again unannounced or at a different time of day.
Ready to look at homes?
Search HavenMatch by city, ZIP code, care type, funding and support needs, then save the homes you like to compare them side by side.