54 Questions to Ask a Memory Care Facility

When you’re considering memory care for a loved one, it’s important to ask the right questions. You want to find a facility that will provide the best possible care for your loved one, and that means getting all the information you can. Here are some questions you should ask any memory care facility you’re considering.

54 Questions you can ask a memory care facility:

1. What type of dementia does the facility specialize in? 
2. What are the staff-to-patient ratios? 
3. How often do patients receive one-on-one attention from staff? 
4. What types of activities are available for patients? 
5. How does the facility handle meals and nutrition? 
6. Are there opportunities for socialization and interaction with other patients? 
7. How does the facility deal with behaviors associated with dementia, such as wandering or aggression? 
8. Are family members able to visit at any time or are there set visiting hours? 
9. How often do families receive updates on their loved one’s condition? 
10. What type of security measures are in place to prevent patients from leaving the premises? 
11. What happens if a patient needs to be hospitalized? 
12. Is there a doctor on staff or on-call at all times? 
13. Is there a nurse on staff or on-call at all times? 
14. What is the average length of stay for patients at the facility? 
15. Does the facility have any special certifications or accreditations? 
16. What is your philosophy of care?
17. How do you develop individualized care plans?
18. How do you ensure that each resident receives quality care?
19. What are your staff members’ qualifications?
20. How are staff members trained?
21. How often are staff members available?
22. How do you support residents’ families?
23. Do you have a secure outdoor space for residents to enjoy?
24. What are your food and dining options?
25. Can residents schedule appointments with visiting health professionals?
26. Do you have on-site laundry facilities?
27. What is your policy on accommodating special needs or requests?
28. Do you have any promotions or discounts currently available? 
29. What is the facility’s policy on managing difficult behaviors?
30. How does the facility encourage socialization and interaction among residents?
31. What are the visiting hours and policies?
32. How does the facility communicate with the families of residents?
33. What is the discharge policy?
34. What are the fees and payment options?
35. Is the facility licensed and accredited?
36. What is the facility’s policy on medication management?
37. How often are medical appointments scheduled for residents?
38. What type of transportation is available for residents who need to go to medical appointments or other outings?
39. What type of insurance does the facility accept?
40. Does the facility offer any type of financial assistance for families who cannot afford memory care services?
41. How often are patients seen by a doctor?
42. How does the facility handle bed sores or other medical issues?
43. How are medications administered?
44. Are there any special dietary requirements for patients?
45. How often are family members allowed to visit?
46. What is the policy on end-of-life care?
47. How are difficult behaviors handled?
48. How are changes in a patient’s condition communicated to family members?
49. How does the facility deal with incontinence issues?
50. What security measures are in place to prevent wandering?
51. Is there a dementia specialist on staff?
52. How are sensory needs addressed (e.g., music therapy, art therapy)?
53. What types of recreational activities are available?
54. Does the facility have any special programs for caregivers?

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Asking the right questions can help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect memory care facility for your loved one. With so many options, it’s important that you take the time to find a facility that meets all of your loved one’s needs. These questions are a good starting point for evaluating memory care facilities.