At some point while caring for our elderly parents, we may decide they need to go into a dementia memory care facility. (See this post regarding how to know when it’s time for memory care or assisted living) Ensuring their safety, comfort, and quality of life is paramount, so conducting thorough interviews with potential facilities is crucial. Here is a comprehensive list of questions to ask when interviewing potential dementia memory care facilities on behalf of for your aging parent.

1. What level of dementia care does your facility provide?

2. How do you assess and determine the individual needs of residents with dementia?

3. What specialized training do your staff members receive in dementia care?

4. Can you describe the daily routine and activities offered to residents with dementia?

5. How do you ensure the safety and security of residents with dementia?

6. What measures do you have in place to manage challenging behaviors associated with dementia?

7. How do you encourage socialization and engagement among residents with dementia?

8. How often are family members involved in care planning and decision-making?

9. Can you provide examples of ways you support the emotional and psychological well-being of residents with dementia?

10. What protocols do you have in place for medical emergencies or changes in health status?

11. How do you communicate with family members about the progress and care of their loved ones?

12. Can you accommodate special dietary needs or preferences for residents with dementia?

13. How do you promote independence and autonomy for residents with dementia while ensuring their safety?

14. What amenities and services are available to residents with dementia?

15. Can you describe your approach to end-of-life care for residents with advanced dementia?

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16. How do you handle transitions between levels of care as a resident’s dementia progresses?

17. What is the staff-to-resident ratio during different times of the day?

18. Can you provide references from current or past residents and their families?

19. How do you involve residents with dementia in decision-making and activities?

20. How do you ensure a supportive and compassionate environment for residents with dementia?

21. What type of care is not provided for or not included or subject to additional charges?

22. Are residents grouped by cognitive level?

23. How are medications handled? Is it an extra charge? Do you charge to administer vitamins and over-the-counter products? How are prescriptions renewed?

24. Is there access at any time with no limit on visiting hours?

25. What is the policy or procedure for handling a medical emergency?

26.  Is there a charge to have a facility caregiver come offsite for an event, outing, or family get-together? How does that work?

27. Are there restrictions concerning leaving the facility for outings? What is the process?

28. Onsite guest parking or valet? (Don’t fool yourself, ease of parking is a big factor — you’ll be visiting quite often).

29. How are overnights handled?

30. How elaborate can one customize a room — TV, cable, special recliner, landline, refrigerator or mini fridge, rollaway for a guest or family member? Are there restrictions?

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31. Do you care for patients as they transition into hospice care?

32. Are you able to care for residents who are physically aggressive or who exhibit disruptive behaviors?

33. Is a nurse on duty 24 hours per day? If not, how many hours is a nurse on duty, and what are those hours?

34. Is there a visiting physician? Do other patients have mobile geriatric doctor visits? For outside medical appointments, will staff make those arrangements, or is that completely left up to us? How is dental care being handled?

35. What is the discharge policy?

36. What amenities or features separate you from other memory care facilities?

37. What is the average length of stay in memory care?

38. How does the staff handle residents going into another resident’s room?

39. Is there a support group for family members?

40. Are there any religious services in the facility?

41. Are there ever group activities outside the facility? If yes, what are they and how are they handled?

42. What reasons or conditions would a person have to move or be forced to move somewhere else?

43. When was the last state or county inspection conducted? Were there any deficiencies or citations? What were they?

44. What is the male to female ratio? (Note: many facilities in the memory care unit are overwhelmingly female. If you are looking for a place for your father, this may become a primary factor in choosing a facility).

45. Daily housekeeping and laundry services — how is it handled?

46. Meals for family members — is there a charge and how does that work?

47. How are holidays handled?

48. Are concierge services available? And what might they be?

49. How many meals or snacks are provided?

Photo by Kampus Production

Off the Menu Secret Items to Consider from an Insider:

When Touring a Facility: 

1. As you walk through a facility, be very aware of the smell. Are the residents clean and well groomed? Memory care patients are not bathed daily. If you find a continuous foul smell that usually means the patients are not showered or bathed frequently enough. 

2. Do residents seem unnecessarily medicated?

3. Many times, facilities charge a non-refundable (after 90 days) upfront payment. The sales director will tell you it is for administrative work or onboarding your parent, whatever. This charge can be quite high, up to one month’s charge of the regular fee. While capacity and open rooms may dictate negotiability, you should make every effort to negotiate down the upfront non-refundable fee. It is very competitive for facilities to secure and sellout space in a memory care wing of a facility. They want your business. Let’s see how much. It’s worth the ask.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask, “What’s the deal with memory care patients hooking up?” It happens!

5. Location — is the facility close to you? Can you take your parent out and walk around the neighborhood or city streets? Are there restaurants close by to take your parent out for a meal? This is important not just for your parent, but for you too! If you can avoid putting your parent in a car to take them out, it’ll make visiting much easier.

6. Always ask yourself: Would I feel comfortable and at peace if my loved one lived here? Assuming facilities are evenly matched in quality, services and care, making your life easier is a definite factor in choosing a facility.

In conclusion, choosing a dementia memory care facility for your parent is a significant decision requiring careful consideration. By asking these essential interview questions, you can gain insight into the quality of care, staff expertise, and philosophy of potential memory care facilities. Additionally, you establish yourself as “hands-on”, a child who will be actively overseeing the care your parent receives.

Tour multiple facilities, meet with staff members, and observe the environment firsthand to ensure that you find the best possible fit for your parent’s needs and preferences. With thorough research and informed decision-making, you can provide your loved one with the highest standard of dementia care and support possible.