My mom will be going to assisted living.

Deanna16, I see from your profile that your Mom is currently living in a nursing home... is this correct? If yes, then going to Assisted Living will seem like going to a hotel in comparison. Hope it all works out for her.

When I took my Dad to tour a senior living facility, as soon as he walked into the lobby he said "where do I sign?" before even seeing his possible apartment. I know it wasn't easy for Dad to move from a large house into a 2 bedroom apartment but he was happy there were no stairs as he became fearful of the stairs at his house. He loved the attention from the Staff.

Since Dad's future apartment was still under rehab, he signed up, and what I did for the two weeks we needed to wait, I took Dad over there for the afternoon social hour so he would become more comfortable with the place, the other residents and Staff. That worked out beautifully :)

I'm assuming you've seen it? If you've seen the place - and knowing your mother as you do - is there anything you think she'd find objectionable? If not, than I agree that a visit with lunch is a good idea. Definitely arrange it with the director and either she or another staff will likely be around to help ensure a positive visit with the best impression made.

I would think that visiting the place would be a good thing. As Jeannegibbs said, you can have lunch, meet staff and residents, tour the facilities, observe activities and have your questions answered. I'd plan it with the admissions director so they arrange for someone to go over the information and make it personal for your mom.

The AL that my cousin first went to did a great job of asking for her input about meals, entertainment, socials, physical therapy, etc. and offering her options. Which is great, because they maintain control over their life. The AL that she was at had a lot of live music performers. Several came each week. It was a big hit and the dining room was full of residents singing, clapping and enjoying themselves. If she might like that kind of thing, I'd go during those times.

Wise for your niece to take her, or wise for your mother to go and see it?

I assume your niece is a responsible grown-up. If she is also likely to be in regular contact with her grandmother, then yes it's a good idea for her to be introduced to the staff; if not, it might be better for whoever will be the most frequent visitor to provide the escort.

Is it wise for your mother to look round the facility? ?!?!?!? Would you not be mildly curious about a place you would soon be calling home? Of course it's wise. In fact I'd say, all things being equal, that it's essential.

Oh yes! And have lunch there! And see some of the activities.