Senior Care Red Flags Checklist
What pay-to-rank referral networks may not emphasize — government verification steps and tour warnings before you sign a contract.
Universal red flags
- Facility won't provide recent state survey or inspection results
- High administrator or director turnover (ask how long current director has been there)
- Staff unable to answer basic questions about dementia care or medication policies
- Strong chemical odor, unclean common areas, or residents appearing unattended during tour
- Pressure to sign contract before touring or before care assessment
- Online reviews mentioning neglect — verify against official records
- No written all-in cost estimate after care level assessment
- Referral agency won't disclose compensation — Texas SB 1383 and growing state laws require disclosure. Ask who pays them.
- Marketing reviews used as safety proof — always cross-check CMS star ratings and state inspection portals.