How to Find and Select a Memory Care Facility for Someone Living with Alzheimer's or Dementia

Written By Tanya Perkins

Choosing a memory care facility some one living with Alzheimer's or dementia is a big decision. And it can be over whelming!

To help make the process less stressful, we compiled tips and recommended steps for selecting a community. Here’s what our team of dementia specialists and our partners a several memory care communities had to say:

General Tips

Your mindset and approach can impact your overall experience.

  • Start early. If you can, start talking about and visiting communities early in your journey with alzheimer’s or dementia. This means less things to do if and when the need to move arises. It increases the likelyhood that the person living with dementia can help select a community and be happy after moving in. It also allows time to plan and budget.

  • Trust your gut. The objective is to find a care option that works for you and your circle. So if something doesn’t feel right, remember that there are other memory care facilities and service providers.

  • Ask for help. You don’t need to do it alone. Ask friends, family and doctors. Consult support groups and services designed to help find services. MySquad advisors are also here to help identify services that may work well for you.

Checklist

Here is a step-by-step checklist to help you find and select a memory care facility:

Step 1: Determine your priorities and needs

You can alleviate a lot of stress if the person living with dementia as well as those in their support circle decide on some key items upfront and prioritize their importance for selecting a community.

Topics to explore include:

  • Budget

  • Location

  • Level of medical services

  • Type of daily activities needing assistance

  • Atmosphere

Step 2: Get recommendations and do research

There are a few different ways to get recommendations for memory care facilities. You can talk to your doctor, social worker, or other healthcare professionals. You can also check online resources, such as the Alzheimer's Association website, A Place for Mom, or call your local Area Agency on Aging.

Step 3: Do research

Once you have a list of potential facilities, do some research on each one. Here are some things to keep in mnind:

  • Look for a facility that is certified by a reputable organization. This shows that the facility meets certain standards of care. Some logos to look for include: Joint Commission Memory Care Certification and Purple Flag for Dementia Care.

  • Make sure the facility has a good reputation. Talk to other families who have loved ones living in the facility. Read online reviews. See if the facility has been cited for any violations.

Step 3: Visit

Once you've narrowed down your list of potential facilities, it's time to start visiting them.

  • Schedule tours. Be sure to schedule a tour of each facility and meet with the staff. If possible, bring your loved one with you.

  • Pay attention to the details. Look at the cleanliness and condition of the facility. Observe the interactions between the staff and the residents. Do the residents seem happy and well-cared for?

  • Visit the facility at different times of day and night. This will give you a better sense of how the facility operates on a daily basis.

  • Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The staff should be happy to answer any of your concerns. Here are some questions to consider:

  • What types of care and services do you offer?

  • What is your staff-to-resident ratio?

  • What is your philosophy of care?

  • How do you handle challenging behaviors?

  • What activities and social programs do you offer?

  • What is your security like?

  • What is your cost?

Step 4: Identify 2 or more top choices

Have a few memory care communities with which you’re comfortable in case your first choice doesn't work out. This could happen for a few different reasons, such as the facility being full or not being a good match for your loved one.

Step 5: See the PCP (and maybe specialists)

Making sure that the person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia sees their primary care physician before moving into the community is recommended for several reasons:

  • Health asssement paper work. Memory care communities and other types of senior living facilities often require a medical assessment before moving in. This helps to confirm that the community can meet your needs and do so for a while. Ask the communities for any require paperwork.

  • Facilitates communication. Starting a dialogue regarding how care will proceed after the move into the community can help set expectations and minimize friction and gaps in care.

Choosing a memory care facility for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia is a big decision, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are many resources available to help you make the best decision.

Need help getting started? Our team specializes in identifying and coordinating the right services for those with dementia and their families! Check out our services or schedule a free 15 minute conversation with one of our advisors.

Tanya Perkins