Six Things to Consider When Choosing Memory Care

Exploring memory support options for a person with dementia is a deeply caring decision rooted in the desire to enhance their quality of life. When you begin learning what to look for in memory care, it’s normal for the process to feel both hopeful and emotionally challenging.

Focusing on six key areas in your search — the care team, safety and design, engagement, wellness, family partnership and overall fit — can guide you toward the right community, where the person you love is supported and able to experience the connection and comfort they need each day.

1. Compassion and Expertise

The team members who care for residents will shape their day-to-day experiences. When a care team is both skilled and compassionate, the person you love will be genuinely supported, and you’ll feel at ease knowing they’re in good hands.

Training

Ask about training and credentials specific to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia,  including person-centered models, such as CARES^® dementia certification, or proprietary programs, such as HumanGood’s Immerse™. These specialized care methods train caregivers to truly understand each individual’s needs, preferences and communication style. 

Interactions

Staff-to-resident ratio is one indicator of quality care, and high team turnover rates can be a warning sign. But perhaps the most meaningful indicator is the way caregivers connect with residents. You’ll want to know that team members support everyday moments, such as waking up in the morning, mealtimes and more, with patience and gentle guidance that honors each resident’s dignity. 

Care Plans and Collaboration

Ask how care plans are created, updated and shared. Are families active participants in these decisions? Look for interdisciplinary collaboration between nurses, life enrichment directors, therapists, dietitians and other caregivers. When everyone is on the same page, the person you love will receive a personalized approach that supports their well-being in a holistic way. 

2. A Peaceful and Purposeful Environment

When considering what to look for in memory care, remember that the environment should support each resident’s overall comfort. A thoughtfully designed setting feels both secure and familiar, creating a natural sensation of calm from the moment you enter.

Living Design

Look for spaces designed to be homelike, with soft, natural lighting and colors that feel restful. Many locations have large common areas with an open kitchen where residents can observe and help with food preparation, family dining spaces where you and your loved one can eat together, and multiple living areas for socialization. Modern communities also include adaptive technology, such as circadian lighting, motion sensors and discreet safety systems, to preserve independence. 

Personalization Opportunities

Ask whether residents can personalize their residence with meaningful items. A favorite chair, quilt, family photo or memory box can help each day feel grounded in the things they cherish. 

Outdoor Access

Spending regular time outdoors can brighten a person’s mood and support cognitive function. Are safe courtyards, walking paths or gardening spaces available and easily accessible, so residents can connect with nature in a relaxed way?

3. Engaging Programs That Brighten Each Day

Community events and programs should create a sense of connection and understanding for the person you love. Purposeful engagement adds structure and joy to daily life, giving them opportunities to stay involved in ways that feel natural. 

Daily Events and Programs

Ask about the types of engagement and enrichment programs offered each day and how they are adapted for different interests and abilities:

• Programs that invite residents to create, move or explore can spark curiosity and support emotional well-being. 
• Social opportunities are vital for mental health and cognition, so look for small group programs where residents can build relationships. 

Memory-Focused Therapy and Care

Some communities integrate specialized engagement, such as reminiscence therapy or music and movement, which can maintain physical skills and encourage emotional expression. These approaches often stimulate positive memories and create moments of connection. 

Schedule Flexibility

If the person you love tends to be awake at unconventional hours, which can be common with dementia, ask how the community supports those rhythms. Flexible, around-the-clock scheduling ensures they receive assistance at times that feel most natural to them. 

Connection with the Broader Community

Many memory support programs will partner with local schools, artists or volunteer organizations to create intergenerational connections. These opportunities bring fresh energy and create uplifting interactions that enrich residents’ daily lives. 

4. Whole-Person Wellness and Nutrition

Memory support works best when it nurtures each person’s mind, body and spirit together. A wellness-centered approach enhances comfort and brings meaningful moments to each day. 

Health Care Focus

Ask how the community supports each person’s physical health. Medication management is often a cornerstone, and many communities provide services and therapies that keep residents steady on their feet or help them regain and maintain strength when needed. 

Food and Nutrition

Nutrition plays a key role in cognitive support, so learn how meals are planned and served. Look for meals that feel appetizing, easy to enjoy and include support for dietary needs and preferences. Some communities use hydration reminders or adaptive dining utensils and mealtime companionship to make eating a positive experience. 

Holistic Wellness Opportunities

Look for wellness experiences, such as pet therapy, aromatherapy, mindfulness programs and more. These opportunities can reduce anxiety and promote calm. Also, ask how the community might incorporate your family’s traditions and favorite recipes into daily life — seasonal celebrations are a powerful way to spark connection. 

5. Family Involvement and Communication

The best memory support options support both residents and their families. As you widen your circle of support, you’ll have more space to reframe your relationship, shifting from constant caregiving to more meaningful connections. 

Communication Policies

Clear, consistent communication connects you to the person you love’s day-to-day life. Ask how the community keeps families informed. Some offer scheduled updates or a digital portal, while others hold dedicated care meetings. 

Support for Families

Does the community offer education and support groups for you and other family members, so you feel less alone and you understand how the person you love is experiencing dementia progression? These opportunities for connection can give insights and reassurance while providing a sense of community. 

Family Involvement

Understand how easily you can participate in daily life at the community. Some locations welcome frequent visits, allow pet companionship or invite families to join programs and special events. These opportunities make the transition feel easier for everyone.

6. Fit, Culture and Overall Feel

Each memory support community has a different feel and overall personality, so find one that feels right for the person you love. The environment should echo the comfort of home, providing a sense of belonging and purpose. 

Location

Consider how easily you and others can visit. A nearby community often makes it simpler to stay involved and be present. 

Community Vision and Purpose 

Does the community have a driving purpose and principles that guide its approach to care? These attitudes can often flow from the top down, so take a look at the people and values behind the community’s overall dementia care program. 

Intuition

Your instincts matter. The right place is one where the person you love feels understood, protected and valued. If a community doesn’t feel right, that might be a sign to try the next option. 

What To Look For in a Memory Care Facility: Comfort and Connection

Choosing a memory support community is a deeply personal process, but it’s also a hopeful one that creates new pathways for connection and well-being. With the right environment and care team, this next chapter can feel less overwhelming and more supportive for everyone involved — especially the person you love. 

Explore the full range of care choices in our Complete Guide to Senior Living Options, which breaks down lifestyle options, levels of support and what to expect with each.