Having to place your loved one in memory care can be really difficult and heartbreaking. The uncertainty of how they will feel away from home and not knowing exactly how they’re being taken care of make this transition even harder.
As a caregiver, the need to find the best memory care facility for your loved one might seem overwhelming.
You’re not alone in feeling this way. We’re here to provide you with the right information about what to look for in a memory care center so you can make an informed decision. In this article, we’ll walk you through what a memory care facility is, things to watch out for in memory care communities, and key questions to ask before making a decision.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Memory Care Facility?
- 5 Things To Watch Out for in Memory Care Facilities
- 11 Key Questions To Ask Before Making a Decision
- Senior Services of America: Engaged, Supportive Memory Care Facilities You Can Trust
What Is a Memory Care Facility?
Memory care is a kind of long-term care for people with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Many residents are in good physical health but can’t live safely at home.
These specialized communities aim to provide a high-quality life for their residents. They offer specialized care and help members manage their health, well-being, social life, and emotional life.
Unlike nursing homes and assisted living, these facilities focus on offering cognitive support and safeguarding for residents with memory difficulties. Memory care institutions are designed with residents’ safety in mind, with secured locks, alarms, and a simpler layout. The activities they offer target cognitive function, which other communities may not provide.
5 Things to Watch Out for When Choosing a Memory Care Facility
Finding memory care that meets your loved one’s needs is an important decision. You want a place where they will be safe, cared for, and happy. You’ll need to consider important aspects such as:
- Location
- Services provided
- Staff training
- Safety
- Environment
- Price
Knowing what to look for in a memory care facility — such as clear policies, trained staff, building conditions, staff-to-resident ratio, or family involvement — can help you make an informed decision. A careful search will ensure your loved one lives somewhere that improves their quality of life.
#1: Clear Policies
Clear and well-communicated policies are essential in memory care facilities due to the vulnerability some residents might experience. Knowing what to expect from a memory care center can give you an idea of how it operates.
You can be assured by a facility that provides essential information, like the different care plans they offer, how you can be involved, how they handle special situations, or what payment plans they offer.
When policies are vague or difficult to get early on, this may be a red flag that signals a lack of transparency.
Clear policies are essential for peace of mind and to protect everyone involved.
#2: Trained Caregivers
People with conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia are best taken care of by team members specialized in this area because these health challenges involve unique needs. Caregivers are in direct contact with residents in memory care centers, assisting with daily activities, supporting tasks, and caring for their overall well-being.
Memory care facilities face bigger challenges than regular nursing homes; staff need to handle situations such as:
- Residents becoming disoriented and trying to leave
- Having anxiety or panic episodes
- Refusing medications or meals
- Wandering
- Not being able to communicate
Staff should be qualified and receive continuous training, while also treating patients with respect and dignity. Facilities should be transparent about qualifications and training. As a family member, you have the right to ask about staff education and observe whether they demonstrate respect, patience, and professionalism.
#3: Number of Residents per Caregiver
Another indicator of a memory care facility’s quality is the ratio of residents to caregivers.
The minimum ratio is set by the State, so be sure to find out your state’s requirements before you visit communities. A lower ratio during the day is a good indicator of personalized, attentive care, meaning your loved one is more likely to receive timely assistance, compassionate engagement, and consistent supervision, which is critical for residents with cognitive impairment.
Remember to ask how this ratio changes during evenings, nights, and weekends, and confirm they only count direct care staff—because ultimately, this number is a direct measure of the time and quality of attention your loved one will receive.
#4:Cleanliness
Another factor when choosing memory care for your loved one is the overall cleanliness of the building. Clean spaces promote the health, safety, and dignity residents need. People with Alzheimer’s or dementia might thrive in a space that’s neat and organized but doesn’t appear sterile like a hospital, so they feel comfortable.
As a family member, you can infer a lot about a facility’s condition by analyzing how well-maintained it is; for example, if common areas, dining spaces, and bathrooms are not clean, it could signal internal problems with staffing, management, or finances. One thing to bear in mind is that things happen when caring for those with dementia. There may be spills or accidents when you visit. Pay close attention to what happens afterwards. Are messes dealt with swiftly and promptly? Are residents treated with compassion?
#5: Engaged Residents and Families
Although it might seem that people with Alzheimer’s and dementia don’t need to interact with family and friends because they might have forgotten them, they need their loved ones more than anything. When families engage with residents’ care, they may help bring happiness, comfort, and security.
When searching for suitable memory care, families should look for communities that encourage meaningful activities and make it easy to visit, as this helps maintain strong bonds.
If you’re considering a specific memory care but find residents appear bored, isolated, or disengaged, it might be a sign they aren’t receiving enough stimulation or social interaction — both essential for quality memory care.
9 Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Memory Care Facility
Choosing a memory care facility can be overwhelming, not only because of the numerous factors to consider, but also due to the vast number of centers available today — especially if you’re unsure what to look for in a memory care facility.
Asking the right questions makes the process clearer and helps residents and their families feel more confident about their decision. It can help families gain confidence and peace of mind knowing their loved one will be in good hands.
The questions below can serve as a guide. Although not the only ones, they provide enough information to get an idea of the facility you’re considering.
As a family member, you know that choosing the best facility will provide your loved one with the safety, dignity, and personalized care they need. That’s exactly what Senior Services of America offers in all of our locations. Let us support you and your family the way we do best.
#1: Is the Staff Specially Trained for Memory Care?
It’s essential for families to have a clear understanding of staff qualifications, ongoing training, and relevant experience.
Caring for individuals with dementia requires specialized training beyond general caregiving skills. Staff need to be versed in how Alzheimer’s or dementia affects cognition, communication, and emotions. They also need to handle aggression, confusion, wandering, and agitation.
This information provides insight into the quality of care and support their loved one will receive. The best memory care centers value their team’s education, well-being, and a compassionate environment.
#2: How Does the Facility Handle the Most Common Emergencies?
Safety is a top priority for families seeking suitable memory care for their loved ones. Asking how a facility handles emergencies provides families with a better understanding of the measures and protocols in place.
Families can ask about technology to ensure safety, including fall prevention features, navigation design, secured entrances/exits, alarms, emergency call systems, and 24/7 supervision.
Having a clear understanding of safety measures helps families feel confident about leaving their loved ones in the memory care center and reduces worry in the event of an emergency.
#3: What Does Daily Life Look Like for Residents?
Engagement is essential for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. A strong memory care program includes activities that support movement, cognitive stimulation, creativity, and overall well-being, promoting joy.
Families can ask if the facility offers activities their loved one would enjoy, like puzzles, music, art, pets, gardening, or cooking. It’s also important to ask how the center promotes social interaction and if it offers gatherings or outings.
Other considerations include whether activities are tailored to each person’s needs and ability levels, how staff adjust routines when a resident feels unsettled, and how daily routines support well-being.
#4: How Does the Facility Handle Nutritional Needs?
Proper nutrition is essential in memory care for supporting brain function, preventing malnutrition, staying hydrated, and enhancing residents’ quality of life. Families want to know that their loved one is well-nourished and that their dietary needs are respected.
Families can ask questions such as:
- How are meals balanced?
- How many meals are provided daily?
- Do residents have meal choices
- How are dietary needs addressed?
- How is healthy eating promoted?
Since mealtimes are important physically, emotionally, and socially, families can ask how facilities ensure a dignified dining experience.
#5: What Healthcare Providers Are Available On-Site?
Due to the complex medical needs of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, memory care centers should rely on a multidisciplinary team to support residents’ health.
Families can ask about the level of medical support available, such as nurses, visiting physicians, or therapists, when they’re onsite, and whether residents are consistently seen by the same personnel.
They can also ask how medications are managed, what routine health monitoring is in place, and how outside providers coordinate with the facility.
#6: What Living Arrangements Are Available?
Because memory care residents often spend several years in the same facility, it’s essential to inquire about their living arrangements. Families can ask about rooms and bathrooms (private vs. shared), how residents’ belongings are managed to make them feel at home, and what social spaces are available.
Consider how the facility handles change — how flexible they are as residents’ needs evolve, whether residents can stay in the same room long-term, and how changes in care plans are communicated.
#7: How Are Families Involved?
Family involvement is crucial to the quality of life for residents in memory care as they provide emotional support, including security, comfort, and companionship. They also help with medications and observe health.
Families can ask about care plans — how often they are reviewed, updates on the condition, and opportunities for visits, activities, or input.
#8: How Much Does It Cost?
Cost is a key factor when choosing a memory care center that meets your loved one’s needs and budget. Ask how fees are structured — flat or tiered — and about price increases or extra fees.
Check if the facility accepts Medicaid, which helps families with limited resources if applicable.
#9: What Is Typically Included?
Families should be aware of what the base cost covers. It usually includes meals, housekeeping, activities, utilities and transportation, but it may vary by facility.
Specialized therapies, medication management, and medical transportation may incur additional costs. Knowing this helps with budgeting.
Senior Services of America: Engaged, Supportive Memory Care Facilities You Can Trust
If your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s or dementia and they can no longer live independently, a memory care center offers the specialized support they need to maintain dignity and a high-quality life.
Memory care facilities provide specialized services to care for your loved one, guarantee their safety, and ensure a happy stay.
At Senior Services of America communities, our approach to care involves our compassionate and caring teams dedicated to welcoming your loved one and giving them the best of us to ensure they feel at home every day.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.