Care plan reviews are one of the most important touchpoints between families and a senior living community, whether your loved one resides in assisted living, memory care, or a nursing home. These meetings help ensure that the community understands your family member’s needs and that the care provided continues to reflect those needs over time. This guide walks you through what a care plan review is, why they matter, and the key questions to ask so you can confidently advocate for your loved one.

What is a senior care plan?

A senior care plan is a personalized outline of the support, services, and goals developed for each resident of a senior living community. It typically includes:

• Health conditions and medications.
• Daily care needs (e.g., assistance with bathing, mobility, etc.).
• Safety considerations and risk factors.
• Preferences, routines, and quality-of-life goals.
• Social, emotional, and cognitive needs.

Care plans are created at move-in and reviewed regularly, often every 30, 60, or 90 days, or anytime your loved one’s health changes.

Why care plan review meetings matter

Care plan reviews ensure that care stays aligned with your loved one’s evolving needs. These meetings also give families a chance to:

• Clarify how staff support the older adult’s daily health, safety, and well-being.
• Raise concerns early before small issues become larger problems.
• Understand any recommended care adjustments and associated costs.
• Strengthen collaboration with the care team.

Families who are prepared for these meetings often feel more confident and supported, and their senior loved ones benefit from clearer communication and consistent follow-through in their care. Below, we outline key areas to address and questions to ask during care plan reviews so you can prepare and make the most of these meetings.

Questions to ask about health and care

How has my loved one’s health changed since the last review?

• Who this applies to: Any resident, especially those with chronic conditions or recent hospitalizations.
• Why it matters: Subtle changes in mobility, appetite, sleep, or mood often signal emerging health needs. Early identification helps prevent complications.
• Who should answer: A nurse, care manager, or medication technician.

Are the current care services still appropriate, or do you recommend adjustments?

• Who this applies to: Residents showing behavioral changes, new confusion, falls, weight loss, or functional decline.
• Why it matters: Care needs shift, and staff may observe changes you don’t see during visits. Adjustments ensure your loved one’s safety and comfort.
• Who should answer: Nursing staff or the care coordinator who oversees the care plan.

Questions to ask about daily life and well-being

How engaged is my loved one in activities and social life?

• Who this applies to: Residents who are introverted, experiencing cognitive decline, or resistant to group activities.
• Why it matters: Social connection supports emotional well-being, reduces loneliness, and helps maintain cognitive function.
• Who should answer: The activities director or life enrichment staff.

Are staff members noticing any signs of isolation, anxiety, or changes in mood?

• Who this applies to: Residents adjusting to a new environment or those living with dementia, depression, or grief.
• Why it matters: Emotional well-being is as essential as physical health. Early attention can prevent worsening symptoms.
• Who should answer: Caregivers, nurses, or a memory care director who observes daily interactions.

Questions to ask about next steps

What changes or milestones should we anticipate in the coming months?

• Who this applies to: Residents living with progressive conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s, and mobility decline.
• Why it matters: Understanding potential changes helps families plan emotionally, medically, and financially.
• Who should answer: Nursing staff, memory care specialists, or the care coordinator.

Are there additional services or supports we should consider?

• When this applies: When you notice increasing care needs, new behavioral changes, or declines in independence.
• Why it matters: Communities may offer different types of therapy (physical, occupational, or speech), behavioral support, enhanced monitoring, or equipment that improves safety.
• Who should answer: The care manager, therapy team, or administrative staff familiar with available services and costs.

Personalize the questions for your loved one

Every senior’s needs, routines, and health concerns are different, and your questions should reflect those unique circumstances. Here’s how families can adapt the sample questions in this guide to suit their own needs.

Look for patterns in daily life

Start by observing what has changed or stayed the same in your loved one’s health, mood, behavior, or independence. Ask yourself:

• What have I noticed during recent visits?
• Are there moments when my loved one seems confused, frustrated, tired, or withdrawn?
• Have they mentioned discomfort, boredom, or concerns about staff interactions?

These observations help you turn a general question (“How engaged is my loved one?”) into a more specific, targeted one (“I’ve noticed they’re skipping morning activities. What’s making that difficult for them?”).

Connect your questions to their diagnoses or conditions

Link the questions to your loved one’s health concerns, such as dementia, diabetes, stroke history, or mobility limitations. For example:

• A memory care resident may need questions about safety behaviors, wandering, agitation triggers, or personalized routines.
• A resident with mobility issues may require questions about transfer support, fall prevention, or physical therapy needs.

Thinking through their conditions helps you ask questions that surface the real challenges staff may be seeing.

Consider your loved one’s personality and preferences

Your loved one’s personality matters as much as their clinical needs. Ask yourself:

• Are they social or private?
• Do they like structure or flexibility?
• Do they prefer quieter routines or lots of activity?

This helps tailor questions about daily life: “How are you supporting my mother’s morning routine since she prefers slow, quiet starts to the day?”

Reflect on your family’s priorities

Think about what matters most to your loved one and to you. Is it independence, safety, social connection, faith, familiar routines, good nutrition, or something else?

Let these values guide your questions. For example:

• If dignity is a priority: “How are you supporting his independence during dressing or bathing?”
• If connection is vital: “Who checks in with her socially throughout the day?”

During the meeting

Here are some tips for making the most of the discussion during your loved one’s care plan review meeting.

Turn concerns into questions

If something feels off, turn that feeling into a question. For instance:

• Concern: “Dad seems more tired lately.”
• Question: “Have you noticed changes in his sleep, energy, or medication effects?”

This approach ensures your questions are grounded in real-life observations.

Ask for examples

Whenever you’re trying to understand a pattern, ask staff for specific examples. This will help you avoid vague answers and ensure meaningful follow-up.

You can frame it like this: “Can you share an example of when this came up recently?”

Being prepared for your loved one’s care plan review will ensure they are getting the care they need and give you peace of mind. By grounding your questions in your loved one’s health, personality, and daily experiences, you’ll have a more honest, useful conversation about how their care is actually working. This personalized approach helps staff see the full picture of who your loved one is and ensures the care plan truly reflects their needs, preferences, and goals.