Questions to Ask to Find the Best Memory Care Community for Your Loved One 

Many families don’t know a lot about Memory Care or how it differs from other levels of senior living until they consider this care option for a loved one.

Your goal is to help your loved one discover their personal balance of safety and independence, so they can achieve their best quality of life.

But researching Memory Care can leave you feeling overwhelmed. You need a reliable, trustworthy source of information and resources to help you determine if a Memory Care community meets your needs.

MorseLife is here to support you in your quest to find the right Memory Care community. In this article, we’ll share key Memory Care questions to ask, as well as what to look for when visiting a Memory Care community.

With our guidance, you’ll feel confident in choosing the ideal Memory Care community to support your loved one and deliver the life enrichment experience they deserve.

The first step is to determine if Memory Care is the appropriate level of care to meet your loved one’s needs.

Memory Care communities support the daily needs of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. They also provide care for individuals with conditions like Parkinson’s disease and traumatic brain injuries.

Even if your loved one has one of these conditions, it can still be challenging to decide when the time is right for Memory Care.

Here are some questions to help you determine if a move to Memory Care is the best choice for your loved one:

• Is it challenging for them to complete their daily routine (including completing household chores, getting dressed, and maintaining personal hygiene)?
• Are you concerned they may be isolated? Do they seem depressed or lonely?
• Do they ever wander? Are they confused?
• Do you have concerns for their safety and judgement?
• Any changes in their mobility?
• Do they get enough to eat and drink? Can they manage their daily medications?

If your loved one struggles with any of these issues, Memory Care can offer them the support, security, and stimulation they need to live their best, healthiest life.

You can also read our recent blog, where we take an in-depth look into when it’s the right time for Memory Care.

Once you’ve decided Memory Care is the best option for your loved one with dementia, you can begin your search for the right community to meet their needs.

Some questions to answer during this phrase of your Memory Care journey include:

• What are my loved one’s lifestyle preferences?
• Would my loved one be open to sharing a room or prefer private lodgings?
• What is our monthly budget for Memory Care?
• What activities does my loved one enjoy?
• Do we want a Memory Care community that’s local or are we open to a community that’s out of town?

Knowing these answers will help you narrow your search and select communities that match your Memory Care goals. From here, you can schedule in-person tours of the top communities on your list.

Visiting a community is an important part of your Memory Care decision-making process. It will give you a feel for a community and allow you to explore their offerings and facilities. It will also give you a chance to interact with staff and residents. Both can help you discover what life is really like in a community.

Most Memory Care communities offer free in-person tours you can schedule online or via phone or email.

If MorseLife is on your list, you can easily connect with our team to book your tour of our MorseLife Memory Care community or Resnick Memory Care community on our website.

During your community tour, asking key questions will further narrow your options and help you select the right community for your Memory Care needs.

Questions to explore include:

• What is the staff to resident ratio? Does it differ day vs. night?
• What training do staff receive to support residents and understand dementia?
• How do you ensure residents’ safety and security?
• What’s your dining program like?
• What specialized programming do you offer?
• What accommodation do you offer? What is the cost difference for private vs. semi-private rooms?
• What are your monthly rates and what is included in those rates?
• How do you accommodate unique needs (such as diabetic care and dietary needs)
• What social opportunities are offered?
• Having this information will help you decide which Memory Care communities meet your needs, goals, and budget.

​​At MorseLife, we believe in offering knowledge and resources to help you make the best senior living decision for you. We understand this is a complex, multifaceted choice.

What you’re seeking in a Memory Care community is highly individual; but there are commonalities of top-quality Memory Care communities to bear in mind. We recommend you look for Memory Care communities that offer:

• A high staff-to-resident ratio
• A robust calendar of activities and programs
• Unobtrusive resident monitoring
• A calming, familiar environment
• Care planning
• Additional therapeutics

When you choose MorseLife for your Memory Care needs, our two exceptional West Palm Beach Memory Care communities go beyond delivering customized care and comprehensive programming to support your loved one to live their best life.

At our MorseLife Memory Care and Resnick Memory Care communities, you’ll find unique and distinct Memory Care options and offerings that exceed every need and work with every budget.

• From innovative technology to support safety, security, and engagement
• To personalized care plans that fold in individual preferences and closely monitor needs
• From exclusive programming to promote life enrichment (including the celebrated Music & Memory™ program)
• To a dining experience that enhances socialization and encourages enjoyment; while ensuring residents meet their nutrition and hydration goals for optimal health and well-being

With all these offerings and many more, life in a MorseLife Memory Care community is about delivering more: More joy, more purpose, and more life.  

At MorseLife, we’re always asking questions. Our unflagging curiosity and drive to innovate and lead ensure we continue to provide the care, services, and support our Memory Care residents need to thrive as members of our communities.

You can also reach out to our team for personalized guidance and support as you navigate your Memory Care journey.