How to Evaluate Memory Care Facilities in Your Area
- Neurology Associates
- Apr 12
- 5 min read
The search for appropriate memory care for a loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming. With over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia—a number projected to reach 78 million by 2030 according to the World Health Organization—families need clear guidance on evaluating memory care options that provide both compassionate care and financial sustainability.
"The key is to start early," says Eilon Caspi, assistant research professor at the University of Connecticut. "You don't want to wait for the crisis and then have 24 hours to make a decision."
What Is Memory Care and When Is It Needed?
Memory care facilities provide specialized living environments designed specifically for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other memory impairments. Unlike traditional assisted living, memory care offers round-the-clock supervised care in secure environments with staff trained in dementia care.
The right time to consider memory care often comes when home care becomes unsustainable. As Tammy La Barbera, who cared for her mother with dementia, told CNN, "All her daily duties are done by me," describing caring for her mother all day as "like being a prisoner in her own home."
Questions to Ask When Evaluating Memory Care Facilities
What Training Do Staff Members Receive?
The quality of care depends heavily on the staff providing it. When touring facilities, ask specific questions about dementia care training, staff-to-resident ratios (especially during nights and weekends), and staff turnover rates.
"If a facility has churned through several administrators in a few years, that's a troubling sign about the quality of its management and owners," notes Jordan Rau in The New York Times.
How Do Memory Care Activities Support Cognitive Health?
Meaningful engagement is crucial for cognitive well-being. Ask about:
Frequency and variety of activities
Evidence-based memory therapies (music therapy, art therapy)
Exercise programs appropriate for mobility levels
How activities are tailored to individual abilities and preferences
Some innovative facilities, such as dementia villages, are creating immersive therapeutic environments that provide familiar, comfortable experiences. David V. Pomeranz, president and CEO of RiverSpring Living, explains these environments "Give them those life experiences which are familiar, which are comfortable, which are empowering and negate the feeling that they don't have control over their lives."
What Security and Safety Features Are in Place?
Memory care facilities should have features that keep residents safe while allowing appropriate freedom:
Secured entrances and exits
Emergency response systems
Fall prevention design elements
Clear pathways with handrails
How Does the Environment Support Those with Memory Impairment?
The physical environment significantly impacts residents with memory impairment:
Is the facility easy to navigate with clear visual cues?
Are there circular hallways to prevent dead-ends?
Is there adequate natural light?
Are there secure outdoor areas?
"Environment is really important, and it can be enabling or disabling," says Andrew Clark, professor at the University of Greenwich in England. "We need to find ways for people to connect, to maintain routines and everyday activities."
What Medical Care Protocols Are Followed?
Consider how the facility handles health needs:
Medication management protocols
Coordination with physicians
On-site medical services
Transportation to medical appointments
Approach to managing dementia-related behaviors
How Are Families Involved in Care Planning?
Look for facilities that welcome family participation:
Visiting policies
Communication protocols
Family support groups
Family involvement in care planning
Memory Care Facility Types: A Comparison
When evaluating memory care options for your loved one, understanding the different types of facilities available can help narrow your search. Consider which model might best match your loved one's specific needs, preferences, and personality.
Facility Type | Potential Advantages | Potential Limitations |
Large Corporate Chains | Established procedures, potential for transitioning between care levels, more resources | Less individualized care, potentially higher staff turnover |
Boutique/Specialized Memory Care | More personalized attention, specialized expertise, homelike environment | Limited availability, potentially fewer amenities |
Memory Care Within CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Communities) | Continuity of care, extensive campus amenities, spouse can live in different section | Larger environments that may be overwhelming, complex contracts |
Memory Care Units in Assisted Living | Integration opportunities, familiar environment if transitioning from assisted living | Staff may have less specialized training, security may be less comprehensive |
Adult Family Homes with Memory Care | Intimate environment, consistent caregivers, personalized attention | Fewer structured activities, limited specialized amenities, variable quality |
Dementia Villages | Integration with community, more normal lifestyle, reduced stigma | Limited availability, primarily in Europe, with few U.S. options |
Developing a Memory Care Evaluation Checklist
Red Flags to Watch For
During facility tours, be alert for these warning signs:
Residents who appear unengaged or unstimulated
Unpleasant odors or uncleanliness
Staff who seem rushed or inattentive
Excessive noise or chaotic environments
Reluctance to answer questions about staffing or training
Kristine Sundberg, executive director of Elder Voice Advocates in Minnesota, advises observing: "Are they active and busy with things, or are they slouched over in a chair, being ignored?"
Beyond Appearances
While amenities can be attractive, they aren't indicators of quality care.
Instead, focus on:
Staff interactions with residents
Engagement levels of current residents
Cleanliness and safety protocols
Communication practices
Making the Final Decision on Memory Care
When comparing memory care options:
Create a personalized checklist based on your loved one's specific needs
Visit at different times of day to observe staffing patterns
Speak with family members of current residents
Trust your instincts about the "feel" of each facility
Consider proximity to family members who will visit
As Karen Van Dyke, a certified senior adviser in San Diego who helps families find facilities, advises, "You've got to understand your future is coming."
How Neurology Associates Can Support Your Loved One with Dementia Care
For families navigating the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, specialized neurological guidance provides crucial support. Neurology Associates Neuroscience Center at Chandler and Mesa locations offers comprehensive evaluation and management of cognitive conditions through every stage of progression.
Our neurologists provide expert assessment of memory issues, cognitive function, and behavioral changes associated with dementia. We develop personalized care plans that address the unique symptoms and challenges each patient experiences, helping families understand what to expect and how to adapt as the condition evolves.
For families evaluating memory care options or seeking to better understand their loved one's dementia diagnosis, Neurology Associates offers flexible appointment options, including telemedicine consultations for qualifying patients. Our team works collaboratively with memory care providers to ensure continuity of specialized neurological care throughout the dementia journey.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog post is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment. Do not rely on this content as a substitute for professional medical guidance.
