Touring a Memory Care Facility: Essential Questions to Ask

Finding the right memory care facility can be an emotional and overwhelming journey. Families often face uncertainty about what to look for, how much care is needed, and what questions to ask. Suppose you’re wondering when to move from assisted living to memory care. In that case, it usually starts when your loved one needs more supervision, structured support, or safety than a traditional assisted living setting can provide.

By touring a memory care facility, like Westmont of Encinitas, and asking the right questions, you can gain peace of mind and ensure your loved one is placed in a setting that values their safety, dignity, and quality of life. This guide helps you navigate what matters most—from care plans to amenities—and includes a helpful dementia care checklist to support your decision-making process.

For more information, visit Westmont of Encinitas.

Staff Qualifications and Experience

An essential part of touring a memory care facility is asking about the staff’s credentials. What training do they have in managing Alzheimer’s or dementia behaviors? Are they trained in compassionate communication and de-escalation?

At Westmont of Encinitas, you can also inquire about their approach to residents with coexisting conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Understanding how staff handle these complexities will help you determine whether the facility is fully equipped for your loved one’s unique needs.

Facility Safety and Security Measures

Safety is a primary concern when you begin touring a memory care community. Look for secure entrances, emergency alert systems, and structured supervision.

You should also ask about the presence of a dementia care specialist, who can provide specialized oversight and ensure personalized care plans are continuously adapted as conditions progress.

Emergency Response Procedures

Ask these questions to a dementia care home during your visit:

• How are staff trained to respond to medical emergencies?
  
• How often are safety drills conducted?
  
• What are the evacuation protocols?
  

A breakdown of typical safety drills:

Understanding these plans helps ensure your loved one will be protected and secure.

Personalized Care Plans and Support

A personalized approach is essential in dementia care. Ask how assessments are conducted and how often care plans are reviewed.

At Westmont, individualized health plans adapt to a resident’s changing physical and cognitive abilities. This ensures care remains both proactive and responsive.

Touring a memory care facility gives you a firsthand look at how care plans are implemented day-to-day.

Family Involvement and Communication

Your ongoing role in your loved one’s care shouldn’t end when they move into memory care. Ask how often the facility communicates updates and how families are involved in care planning.

Open communication channels and family inclusion are key indicators of a quality care environment—especially when you’re using a dementia care checklist to guide your decision.

Amenities and Recreational Activities

Engaging activities and serene environments help memory care residents thrive. During your tour, look beyond the basics. Ask about the programs that foster creativity, mobility, and social connection.

Types of Activities Offered

Look for enrichment options such as:

• Music and art therapy 
• Gardening and cooking clubs 
• Gentle fitness and walking programs 

These can significantly enhance emotional well-being and cognitive function.

Social Engagement Opportunities

Social interaction supports brain health and reduces isolation. A good facility offers both structured and spontaneous group activities.

Outdoor Spaces and Gardens

Nature has a calming effect on those with memory loss. Ask about safe outdoor access, sensory gardens, and walking paths.

Spending time outdoors can improve mood and reduce agitation—especially in dementia care environments. Discover the benefits of therapeutic gardens in memory care settings.

Costs and Financial Assistance Options

One of the most important yet difficult questions to address is: What is the average monthly cost for memory care?

The answer varies based on location, room type, and services provided. Below is a basic guide:

Always ask about additional fees, payment structures, and what’s included in the base rate. Websites like A Place for Mom can provide national averages and financial planning resources.

Key Questions to Ask on Your Tour

Use this dementia care checklist as a guide when touring a memory care facility:

• What is your staff-to-resident ratio?
  
• Are caregivers trained in dementia-specific techniques?
  
• What activities are offered, and how are they personalized?
  
• What are your protocols during emergencies?
  
• How do you handle medical care and medication management?
  
• What is included in your pricing, and are there extra fees?
  
• Do you accept long-term care insurance or government programs?
  

Bringing these questions to a dementia care home will help you compare options with clarity and confidence.

Ready to Make the Right Move? Here’s What to Do Next

Choosing memory care is a significant milestone. It’s not just about finding a place—it’s about finding peace of mind.

If you’re unsure when to move from assisted living to memory care, start by observing changes in behavior, safety concerns, and daily functioning. When the need for supervision, structured routines, and dementia-specific care increases, memory care becomes a necessity—not just an option.

Use your visit to Westmont of Encinitas to observe firsthand how their team creates a supportive, enriching environment where residents are treated with dignity and compassion.

📞 Ready to see for yourself? Schedule a visit at Westmont of Encinitas or call 760-452-6037.

Let this be the beginning of a safer, happier chapter for your loved one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you tell someone they are going to memory care?

Telling a loved one they are going to memory care should be approached with compassion and patience. It’s best to use simple, reassuring language and focus on the positive aspects, such as safety, support, and opportunities for social interaction. Avoid overwhelming details—share only what feels necessary for their comfort. Involve them in small decisions where possible so they feel included and respected.

What should I ask on a memory care facility tour?

When touring a memory care facility, ask about staff-to-resident ratios, safety measures, and specialized dementia training for caregivers. It’s also helpful to learn about daily activities, meal plans, and medical support options available. Don’t forget to ask about visitation policies and how the community communicates with families. Observing the environment’s cleanliness, staff interactions, and resident engagement can give you valuable insights.

How to move a loved one into memory care?

Moving a loved one into memory care takes thoughtful planning and emotional support. Start by preparing them gently with conversations about comfort, safety, and new opportunities. Pack familiar belongings, photos, or personal items to make their new space feel like home. On move-in day, keep the transition calm and positive, and allow staff to guide the adjustment process. Regular visits and ongoing communication can help ease the transition for both you and your loved one.

When to put a dementia patient in memory care?

It may be time to consider memory care when a dementia patient’s needs surpass what can be safely managed at home. Signs include frequent wandering, increased aggression, difficulty with daily tasks, or unsafe behaviors. Memory care communities provide trained staff, structured routines, and secure environments tailored to dementia care. Placing a loved one in memory care can help protect their well-being while giving families peace of mind.