We are a memory care facility in Atlantic County, NJ, and one of the most common things families tell us is:
“I toured a few memory care communities, but I did not know what I was supposed to be looking for. And I was overwhelmed by everything they told me.
That feeling is incredibly common.
Memory care tours are emotionally loaded. Families are often overwhelmed, grieving, and under time pressure. Many tours focus on aesthetics and amenities, but the most important factors in memory care are not always visible at first glance.
This guide is designed to help you tour a memory care facility with clarity and confidence. It explains exactly what to ask, what to observe, and how to interpret the answers, so you can make an informed decision based on safety, dignity, quality of life, and evidence-based care.
Why Touring a Memory Care Facility Is Different From Touring Assisted Living
Memory care is not just assisted living with locked doors. It is a specialized care model designed to support people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Research published in Frontiers in Psychology on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia explains why dementia care requires specific environmental design, staff training, and routines to reduce anxiety, agitation, and confusion.
Because of this, touring memory care requires different questions and a deeper focus on operations, not appearances.
How to Use This Guide During a Tour
You do not need to ask every question word-for-word. Instead:
- Pick the sections most relevant to your loved one
- Listen carefully to how staff answer, not just what they say
- Observe whether answers are confident, consistent, and specific
- Watch how staff interact with residents while answering
The best memory care communities welcome thoughtful questions.
Section 1: Questions About Staff Training and Dementia Expertise
Why This Matters
Dementia care is highly relationship-based. Staff training has a direct impact on resident safety, behavior, and quality of life.
A randomized controlled trial published in PLOS Medicine on person-centered dementia care found that dementia-specific staff training combined with structured activities significantly reduced agitation and improved quality of life.
Questions to Ask
- What dementia-specific training do caregivers receive?
- How often is training refreshed or updated?
- Are staff trained to respond to agitation without using restraints or medications?
- How do staff communicate with residents who have difficulty expressing themselves?
- Are caregivers trained in redirection and reassurance techniques?
What to Listen For
Strong answers reference:
- Ongoing training, not one-time onboarding
- Person-centered care
- Understanding behaviors as communication, not problems
Section 2: Questions About Staffing Levels and Consistency
Why This Matters
Consistency reduces confusion and anxiety for people with dementia. Staffing ratios and turnover directly affect care quality.
Research in Journal of the American Medical Directors Association on staffing and dementia outcomes shows that staffing patterns influence behavioral outcomes and resident well-being.
Questions to Ask
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day?
- What is the ratio overnight?
- Do the same caregivers work consistently with the same residents?
- How do you minimize staff turnover?
- Is there a nurse on site or on call?
What to Observe
- Do staff know residents by name?
- Are interactions calm and familiar?
- Does staffing feel adequate for the number of residents present?
Section 3: Questions About Safety, Wandering, and Security
Why This Matters
Wandering is one of the most serious risks in dementia care.
Research published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia on critical wandering behavior shows that wandering significantly increases risk of injury and missing incidents.
Questions to Ask
- How do you prevent wandering and unsafe exits?
- Are doors alarmed or secured?
- What happens if a resident tries to leave the community?
- How is outdoor access managed safely?
- How do you balance security with resident dignity?
What to Observe
- Are exits discreet and secure?
- Do residents appear calm rather than restrained?
- Is outdoor space available and supervised?
Section 4: Questions About Daily Routine and Structure
Why This Matters
People with dementia benefit from predictable routines.
A review in Aging and Mental Health on structured routines and dementia symptoms shows that structured daily schedules reduce agitation and anxiety.
Questions to Ask
- What does a typical day look like?
- Are routines consistent day to day?
- How do you support residents who resist care?
- What happens if a resident wakes up confused or agitated?
What to Observe
- Is there a calm rhythm to the environment?
- Are residents engaged or idle?
- Does the space feel rushed or steady?
Section 5: Questions About Activities and Engagement
Why This Matters
Meaningful engagement improves mood, reduces agitation, and supports cognitive function.
Research in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry on tailored activity programs shows that activities matched to ability level reduce behavioral symptoms.
Questions to Ask
- How are activities adapted for different stages of dementia?
- How do you engage residents who no longer participate verbally?
- Are activities offered in small groups?
- Do activities reflect residents’ past interests?
What to Observe
- Are residents actively participating?
- Do activities appear purposeful or generic?
- Are staff encouraging involvement gently?
Section 6: Questions About Dining and Nutrition
Why This Matters
Nutrition challenges are common in dementia and directly affect health.
Research in BMC Geriatrics on nutrition and dementia care highlights the importance of meal support and monitoring.
Questions to Ask
- How do you help residents who forget to eat?
- How do you support residents who have difficulty using utensils?
- Are meals flexible if a resident refuses food?
- How is weight monitored?
What to Observe
- Is the dining area calm?
- Are staff assisting respectfully?
- Are meals adapted for cognitive needs?
Section 7: Questions About Personal Care and Dignity
Why This Matters
Bathing, dressing, and toileting can trigger fear and resistance.
A clinical overview in Frontiers in Psychology on dementia and personal care resistance explains why approach and communication are critical.
Questions to Ask
- How do staff approach bathing and grooming?
- What happens if a resident refuses care?
- How do you preserve dignity during personal care?
- Are care routines individualized?
What to Observe
- Are residents well groomed?
- Do staff speak respectfully?
- Is care unrushed?
Section 8: Questions About Medical Oversight and Health Changes
Why This Matters
Memory care is not a nursing home, but medical oversight still matters.
Research on transitions and medical monitoring in dementia care is discussed in International Psychogeriatrics on care escalation.
Questions to Ask
- How do you monitor health changes?
- How are families notified of changes?
- What happens if medical needs increase?
- How do you coordinate with physicians?
Section 9: Questions About Behavioral Changes and Crisis Management
Why This Matters
Behavior changes are often the reason families seek memory care.
A large review in The Lancet Psychiatry on managing agitation in care homes emphasizes non-pharmacological approaches.
Questions to Ask
- How do you respond to agitation or aggression?
- What strategies are used before medication?
- How are other residents protected?
- How are families involved in behavior planning?
Section 10: Questions About Family Communication and Involvement
Why This Matters
Families remain essential partners in dementia care.
Caregiver experience research in BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care on caregiver impact shows that communication affects caregiver stress.
Questions to Ask
- How often do you communicate with families?
- How are care plan updates shared?
- Are families involved in care conferences?
- Who is my main point of contact?
Section 11: Questions About Environment and Design
Why This Matters
Environmental design affects orientation and anxiety.
Research in The Gerontologist on dementia-friendly design links design features to improved participation.
Questions to Ask
- How is the space designed to reduce confusion?
- Are rooms personalized?
- How are residents helped to find their way?
Section 12: Questions About Transitions and Progression
Why This Matters
Dementia progresses. Planning matters.
Research in Journal of Housing for the Elderly on transitions in dementia care shows smoother transitions reduce stress.
Questions to Ask
- What happens as dementia progresses?
- Can residents age in place?
- How do you support families through changes?
Section 13: Red Flags to Watch for During a Tour
Be cautious if you notice:
- Staff avoiding questions
- High staff turnover
- Residents disengaged or distressed
- Overreliance on medications
- Lack of structure
Section 14: A Printable Memory Care Tour Checklist
Bring this with you:
- Staff training and ratios
- Safety and wandering prevention
- Daily routines
- Activities and engagement
- Nutrition support
- Personal care approach
- Family communication
- Medical coordination
Touring a Memory Care Facility Isn’t Easy – We Hope This Guide Helps
Knowing what to ask when touring a memory care facility empowers families to look beyond appearances and focus on what truly matters.
High-quality memory care is defined by trained staff, thoughtful routines, respectful communication, safe environments, and evidence-based practices. Asking the right questions helps ensure your loved one receives care that prioritizes dignity, comfort, and quality of life.