Essential Questions to Ask When Selecting a Memory Care Community

Can a memory care setting really make a difference in the health, safety and happiness of your loved one? You bet it can! At The Herrick House, we’ve seen firsthand what the right lifestyle, programming and care can do, so we’ve prepared memory care questions to ask as you conduct your search for the community that best suits your needs. 

The impact the right memory care community can have 

Many adult children and family members struggle with the decision to move a parent or loved one to memory care. It often is due to guilt or a sense of failing to do enough for a parent who needs specialized care. But the reality is, today’s memory care communities offer exceptional programming that can enhance a person’s quality of life in profound ways. Just the one-on-one personalized attention from a professional caregiver can make all the difference for a person moving through the stages of cognitive decline. 

Add all the other benefits of memory care—safe socializing, support from peers, physical spaces designed to ease anxiety and reduce wandering, carefully crafted dining that encourages participation and features chef-prepared menus for both nutrition and taste, secure outdoor areas for relaxation and visiting, and so much more—and you can see what an impact the right setting can have.

In fact, communities with memory care programs report the following improvements in resident quality-of-life factors: 

• Reduction in medication and negative medication side effects 
• Decreased falls and injuries 
• Fewer emergency room visits 
• Fewer incidents involving violent behaviors 
• Increased nutrition and reduction in vitamin deficiencies 
• Increased independence and social interaction 
• Increased happiness as residents are functioning at a higher level 

Memory care questions to ask prospective communities in person or online 

Researching communities takes time and effort and can involve both online and in-person investigation. It’s helpful to come up with a list of memory care questions to ask in advance of your visit so you can be sure to get the answers you need, while still being able to just experience the ambiance of where you are.

To get you started, here are a few memory care questions to ask: 

• What level of care does the community provide? What personal assistance can residents expect? Staff-to-resident ratio?
• How large is the community? Does it feel intimate and close-knit, where residents and staff find it easy to build close relationships?
• What type of training has the staff received? Is it ongoing?
• Is licensed nursing available on site 24 hours a day?
• What specialized programming is offered? Pet therapy? Music therapy? Fitness or wellness programs?
• How is the community secured? Are there safe outdoor spaces? 
• What medical services are available? How are emergencies handled? How far away is the nearest hospital?
• What meals are provided? Are special dietary requests, such as kosher meals, accommodated? How is the food served? Are escorts to meals available?
• What is the monthly rate for housing and care? What services does that rate include? Are rooms private or semi-private? How do prices vary for each?

There are also some memory care questions to ask yourself. For example, how does it feel when you first walk inside? Is there a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere? Do you see smiles on the faces of caregivers and families? 

Be sure to check out the reputation of the community. Do some online research to see reviews and pay attention to notices on social media. You might also ask friends and family members if they know of anyone whose loved one is a resident. Your loved one’s physician is a good resource for information as well as suggestions for memory care questions to ask when taking a tour.

Spectrum Memory Care at the Herrick House 

Spectrum is a program that is specifically designed to care for those who suffer from cognitive impairments. Our specially trained caregivers build close relationships with each resident. We monitor them around the clock and offer assistance with all activities of daily living. These activities might include bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and incontinence care. 

Nestled in a beautiful and private wooded setting on the upper campus of Beverly Hospital, our unique location offers easy access to physician, outpatient and around-the-clock hospital services. As a member of Beth Israel Lahey Health, our staff can connect you to a comprehensive range of health care services. 

In addition, Spectrum at The Herrick House offers a smaller, more intimate atmosphere that allows caregivers to spend more time with each resident. The result is a friendly, homelike atmosphere that welcomes and soothes.

The North Shore’s Most Trusted Assisted Living Community. Download our free guide, Early Signs of Dementia, or contact us. We’d love to hear from you.