What to Look for and Ask During a Memory Care Assisted Living Community Visit
There are numerous factors to consider when determining which assisted living memory care community is the best fit for a loved one. Finding the right community often takes more time than seniors and their families anticipate. One of the most important steps in the process is to visit the community in person at least once or twice.
Because many people don’t really know what to look for or ask during the tour, we put together this checklist. We hope it will help you feel more confident as you search.
Memory Care Assisted Living Community Visit Checklist
The Community’s Physical Plant and Grounds
From the time you arrive at the community, you’ll want to pay attention to the buildings and grounds. How well both are maintained can tell you a lot about the management of the community. While the buildings don’t have to be brand new, they should be well cared for.
Specifically, families should look for:
- How well is the exterior maintained? Is it clean and well kept? Are the grounds in good shape?
- Is visitor parking readily available? Is the parking area well lit? This can be especially important if an older spouse will be visiting often.
- Are exterior doors and windows secure and in good repair?
- Is there a secure outdoor area where dementia residents can relax and enjoy nature without any danger of wandering?
Once you head indoors, you’ll want to look around and make note of a few factors, such as:
- Are common areas tidy and odor-free? Is the furniture in good shape?
- Is there a separate memory care dining room? Is it clean, quiet and distraction-free, with tables and chairs that are easily accessible?
- Are resident suites well maintained? Is there adequate space for their belongings?
Resident Safety and Security
A safe, secure environment is vital, especially for adults with memory loss. Here are a few safety features and programs you should look for during your visit:
- Does the area around the community appear safe? If you aren’t familiar with the neighborhood, it might be a good idea to check the local crime reports.
- Are exterior doors kept locked at all times or only during certain hours? Is the memory care area secure around the clock?
- Does the lobby have a desk staffed by an employee who can greet families and prevent uninvited people from gaining access to resident areas?
- Is there an emergency call system in place in common areas and resident suites? How does a resident use it to call for help?
- Is there a fire suppression system in place throughout the community?
- Are fire extinguishers located in visible, easy-to-access areas?
- Does the community have an emergency plan in case of a fire, power outage, flood or other disaster?
- What is the community’s care plan for residents who are at risk for a fall, as many with dementia are?
- Are safety features, such as handrails and grab bars, installed in resident suites and common areas?
Quality of Care and Resident Engagement
While a beautiful lobby can make the community appear more inviting, it’s the quality of care that matters most in specialized dementia care programs. As you are touring a memory care community, here are a few tips to help you determine how engaged and well cared for residents are:
- Does each resident look tidy and well groomed? Are they dressed in apparel appropriate for the time of day and season of the year? Personal care is important for both physical and mental health.
- Do you notice staff interacting with residents in positive ways? Do they call each resident by name? And as you pass team members on your tour, do they look you in the eye and say hello? Or do staff members seem rushed and stressed?
- Are life enrichment activities taking place? Is there a separate activities calendar just for residents with dementia? Ask for a copy of the calendar and check to see what is scheduled for the day. Then see if you can sit in on any activities on the calendar during your visit.
Questions to Ask During A Memory Care Tour
- When it comes to caring for adults with dementia, staff longevity is often linked to quality of care. Be sure to ask about the average length of service for staff members. A high turnover in caregivers can negatively impact the continuity of care each resident receives.
- The ratio of team members to residents also impacts care. Find out how many residents each caregiver is responsible for. Does that number change at night and on weekends?
- Orientation, training and experience in specialized memory care communities are vital. And it all starts with hiring the right people. Ask how caregivers are screened before hiring. What kind of training does memory care staff receive on a regular basis?
- Monthly fees can vary greatly from one memory care community to another. Ask for a list of the services included and what additional expenses you should expect to be billed for each month. Use that to compare the true cost of each community.
- Care needs can change as dementia progresses. Be sure to clarify what would happen if your loved one requires more care down the road. Can the community accommodate a high level of care?
Call ASC to Schedule a Visit Today
We hope this checklist helps you feel confident you are making the most of your time while you are touring memory care assisted living communities. Call an ASC community near you to set up a time to visit.