Touring a Memory Care community is one of the most important steps in finding the right home for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. While brochures and websites can offer a starting point, seeing a community in person is the best way to determine if it will truly meet your loved one’s needs.
Not all Memory Care communities are the same. From safety features and staffing to daily routines and resident engagement, here are nine things to look for on your tour.
1. Secure and Dementia-Friendly Layout
Look for a community that is intentionally designed for residents with dementia.
- Is the building easy to navigate?
- Are there secure outdoor spaces where residents can safely enjoy fresh air?
Arden Courts Memory Care communities feature one-level layouts, color-coded visual cues and wayfinders, residential-style homes, on-site destination locations, enclosed courtyards, and free-roaming access to walking paths that allow residents to move independently while remaining safe. This balance of freedom and security is essential for maintaining dignity and reducing stress.
Related: Creating Safe and Comfortable Environments for People Living with Dementia
2. Warmth and Personalization
A warm, personalized environment can spark memories and help residents feel more grounded. Look for family photos in rooms, seasonal decorations, and soft, calming colors.
- Does the environment feel like a home, not a facility?
- Notice the furniture, lighting, and décor.
- Are residents encouraged to decorate their rooms with personal items or memory boxes?
- Are there spaces for group gatherings as well as quiet corners?
3. Engaged and Specialized Staff
Pay attention to how providers, staff, and team members interact with residents and families.
- Are they smiling, patient, and present?
- Do they call residents by name or pause to offer comfort and connection?
- Ask about staff-to-resident ratios, and whether there is 24/7 on-site nursing or specialized therapies offered.
Staff training is one of the most important differences between Memory Care and other settings. Caregivers should be trained in dementia-specific techniques and communication methods.
4. Purposeful Daily Programming
Strong programming offers more than just activities. It provides purpose, structure, and enjoyment that aligns with each resident’s abilities.
- Ask to see a sample activity calendar.
- Are programs scheduled throughout the day and evening?
- Do they include a variety of cognitive, physical, spiritual, and creative options?
At Arden Courts, daily programming is built around residents’ preferences and strengths, offering opportunities to engage in art, music, life skills, and sensory experiences. This kind of thoughtful routine helps reduce anxiety and supports emotional well-being.
5. Mealtime Experience
Food is more than nutrition. In Memory Care, it is also about familiarity, comfort, and social connection. Ask if there are flexible dining times or snacks available throughout the day, and how the team accommodates specific likes, dislikes, or eating challenges.
Observe how meals are served and enjoyed.
- Are dining areas calm and inviting?
- Do residents receive help if needed?
- Are meals adapted for different dietary or sensory needs?
6. Support for Families
The best Memory Care communities support not just the resident, but the entire family. During your tour, ask about caregiver resources, including transition support when a loved one moves in.
At Arden Courts, families are considered essential partners in care. We offer collaborative care planning, frequent updates, and open lines of communication, so you never feel out of the loop.
7. Safety Technology and Health Services
Beyond a secure layout, ask what additional safety features are in place. Are there systems for fall detection, medication monitoring, and 24/7 emergency response? Is there a nurse onsite at all times?
Inquire about care coordination with doctors or outside providers, and whether a medical director oversees the community. Understanding the clinical side of Alzheimer’s memory care is just as important as observing the day-to-day environment.
Related: Innovative Dementia Therapies: What’s New?
8. Transparent Pricing
Finances are a major consideration for most families. Ask how the community structures its pricing. Is care included at a flat rate, or does the cost increase as your loved one’s needs change?
Understanding the cost of Memory Care early on can help prevent future surprises. Inquire about which financial resources your loved one may be eligible for to help secure the care they need.
9. Gut Feeling and Resident Energy
Finally, trust your instincts.
- Do the residents appear comfortable and engaged?
- Are they smiling, chatting, or participating in activities
- Does the space feel joyful, respectful, and calm
A tour is not just about checking boxes. It is about sensing whether your loved one would feel at ease in this community. Ask yourself, “Can I picture them here? Would they be safe, supported, and surrounded by care?”
Taking the Next Step
Choosing a Memory Care community is a deeply personal decision. The best fit combines a secure setting, compassionate caregivers, engaging programs, and a philosophy that sees the person, not just the condition.
At Arden Courts, Memory Care is all we do. Our communities are built from the ground up to meet the emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Download a comprehensive community brochure to learn more about our care approach, community features, and how we can support your family every step of the way