When an older loved one is living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, there may come a time when their care needs surpass what can be safely managed at home. Memory care communities offer specialized support designed to enhance safety, dignity, and quality of life for seniors facing cognitive decline. But not all memory care communities are created equal.
If you’re exploring memory care for your parent or family member, it’s important to evaluate each community you’re considering carefully. This blog provides a comprehensive checklist and key questions to ask so you can make an informed, confident decision.
Why memory care?
Unlike traditional assisted living, memory care communities are specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These environments are structured to reduce confusion, prevent wandering, and foster a sense of purpose through daily routines and resident engagement.
Features typically include:
- Secure entrances and living areas
- Specialized dementia-trained staff
- Tailored daily routines and enrichment programs
- Increased supervision
The right community will offer not just safety but a supportive, engaging atmosphere that feels like home.
Your memory care community evaluation checklist
Here’s what to look for when touring or researching memory care communities:
1. Safety and security
Cognitive decline can increase the risk of wandering, falls, and accidental injury. An environment designed with safety in mind is non-negotiable.
Questions to ask:
- “Is the memory care part of the community fully secured with monitored entrances and exits?”
- “Are resident rooms and common areas designed to reduce fall risks (e.g., non-slip floors, good lighting)?”
- “What emergency response systems and procedures are in place?”
- “How are residents supervised throughout the day and night?”
Things to look for:
- Secured perimeter and monitored doors
- In-room emergency call systems
- Clear signage and dementia-friendly layouts
- 24/7 staffing and supervision
2. Staff training and ratios
Memory care requires a compassionate, highly trained team. The way staff interact with residents can make a profound difference in the quality of life.
Questions to ask:
- “What specific dementia training does your staff receive?”
- “What is the staff-to-resident ratio throughout the day and night?”
- “Is there a nurse or other medical professional on-site?”
- “How does staff handle behavioral challenges like aggression or wandering?”
Things to look for:
- Ongoing dementia care training
- Positive, respectful staff interactions observed during tour
- Adequate staffing at all times
3. Resident engagement and quality of life
A meaningful daily routine can improve the resident’s mood, reduce anxiety, and preserve as high a quality of life as possible. Ask about the community’s approach to keeping residents engaged.
Questions to ask:
- “What types of daily activities are offered?”
- “Are programs personalized based on individual interests or history?”
- “How is family involvement encouraged?”
- “Do residents have access to outdoor spaces?”
Things to look for:
- Calendar of daily activities (music, art, exercise, etc.)
- Memory-enhancing programs or therapies
- Opportunities for socialization and spiritual support
- Safe and secure enclosed outdoor spaces
4. Cleanliness, comfort, and dining
The physical environment should feel welcoming and home-like, not institutional. Cleanliness and nutrition also play a big role in the resident’s well-being.
Questions to ask:
- “How often are the resident rooms and bathrooms cleaned?”
- “When is laundering of resident clothes, bedding, and towels done?”
- “Can you personalize a resident’s room with their belongings?”
- “What are meals and snacks like? Are dietary needs accommodated?”
- “Where are meals served? Is assistance available?”
Things to look for:
- Warm, inviting design elements
- Clean private and shared spaces
- Flexible meal options and nutritional support
- Accommodations for special diets
5. Costs and services
Memory care often involves additional services, which come with additional costs. Be sure you understand the pricing model.
Questions to ask:
- “What is the monthly base rate, and what’s included?”
- “Are services like medication management or bathing assistance extra?”
- “How often are fees reevaluated or increased?”
- “What happens if your loved one needs more care in the future?”
Things to look for:
- Transparent pricing and service breakdown
- Clear contract terms
- Flexible care plans
- Guidance on long-term affordability
Final tips for choosing a memory care community
- Visit more than once, at different times of day if possible.
- Observe the residents.Do they look content and well cared for?
- Talk to family membersof current residents for real insight.
- Check online reviews. What do they tell you about the community?
- Trust your instincts.If something feels off, it probably is.
The Lodge at Stephens Lake is here to support your loved one’s next chapter
Choosing a memory care community is a deeply emotional and practical decision. With this checklist and the right questions, you can confidently work to ensure your loved one’s comfort, dignity, and safety. The right community will not only meet their physical and cognitive needs—it will help them thrive.
If you’re exploring your options for memory care in Jasper, GA, download our free guide, Understanding Memory Care: A Guide for Families of Seniors Living with Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease, to learn more. Then contact us to schedule your personalized tour.