Touring a memory care community can be an emotional and overwhelming experience.
Whether you’re searching for the right environment for a parent, spouse, or loved one, knowing the right memory care tour questions to ask can make all the difference.
At The Kensington Bethesda, we know that families are not only choosing a care setting, they’re choosing a new chapter in their loved one’s life. That’s why we encourage families touring assisted living communities in Bethesda to come prepared, ask thoughtful questions, and take the time to observe how a community truly lives up to its promise of care.
This guide will walk you through the top questions to ask, what to look for during your visit, and how to evaluate whether a memory care community is the right fit.
Before You Go: Preparing for the Tour
Before visiting a memory care community, take time to reflect on your loved one’s unique needs. Consider:
- Their current stage of memory loss
- Medical conditions or mobility concerns
- Social and emotional personality traits
- Level of support they need for daily activities
- Safety risks (e.g., wandering, confusion, or falls)
Having a clear picture of their needs will help guide your tour and ensure your questions are tailored and meaningful.
Questions to Ask About Care and Clinical Support
The most important consideration in any memory care community is the quality of care.
When touring, ask:
- What is the ratio of care team members to residents in memory care?
- Are nurses on-site 24/7?
- How is care personalized for each resident?
- How do you handle changes in behavior or progression of dementia?
- Are therapies (e.g., physical, occupational, speech) available on-site?
- What is your process for medication management and oversight?
At The Kensington Bethesda, we provide individualized care plans that evolve with each resident, supported by nurses available 24/7.
Our specialized memory care neighborhoods, Connections and Haven, offer varying levels of support tailored to the stage of dementia.
Questions to Ask About Programming and Engagement
Quality of life matters just as much as medical care.
Ask about:
- What types of activities are offered daily?
- Are programs tailored to residents’ interests and abilities?
- Is music or art therapy part of the routine?
- How do you support residents who prefer quiet or one-on-one interaction?
- Are there outings or special events for memory care residents?
- Do residents have access to outdoor spaces?
Engagement is essential in memory care. At The Kensington Bethesda, we believe that connection, creativity, and routine help maintain dignity and spark joy, even in the most advanced stages of dementia.
Questions to Ask About Safety and Environment
A memory care community should feel warm, secure, and thoughtfully designed.
Important questions include:
- Is the memory care neighborhood secure but not restrictive?
- Are rooms and common areas easy to navigate?
- What fall-prevention measures are in place?
- How do you handle emergencies or elopement risks?
- Are hallways and furnishings designed for sensory comfort?
- Can residents personalize their private suites?
Our Haven and Connections neighborhoods are designed to reduce stress and confusion, featuring calming colors, memory boxes, and secure outdoor areas that promote both freedom and safety.
Questions to Ask About Dining and Nutrition
Nutrition plays a vital role in brain health and overall well-being.
During your tour, ask:
- Are meals prepared fresh daily, and can they be customized?
- How are dietary restrictions or medical needs accommodated?
- Can residents eat in a group setting or privately?
- Do you offer assistance with eating or adaptive utensils if needed?
- Are snacks and hydration available throughout the day?
At The Kensington Bethesda, dining is an experience. Meals are chef-prepared, beautifully presented, and created to support cognitive health.
Residents can enjoy meals with peers or in more intimate settings, depending on their preferences.
Questions to Ask About Transitions and Continuity of Care
Dementia is a progressive condition, so it’s essential to understand how a community supports residents as their needs evolve.
Ask:
- Can my loved one remain here if their condition worsens?
- What happens if medical needs become more complex?
- Do you offer hospice or palliative support if needed?
- Will they work with our family physician or specialists?
- How do you communicate with families about changes in care?
Our memory care neighborhoods were designed to support residents at every stage, eliminating the stress of relocating.
We provide advanced care with compassion, including palliative and end-of-life support when appropriate.
Questions to Ask About Family Involvement
A strong memory care community includes the family, not just the resident.
Ask:
- How often do you provide updates to families?
- Are family members welcome to visit at any time?
- Do you offer caregiver support or education?
- Can we join our loved one for meals or activities?
- Do you have a point of contact for questions or concerns?
At The Kensington Bethesda, families are always part of the care team. We offer open communication, frequent updates, and heartfelt support to help loved ones feel confident and connected.
What to Observe During Your Tour
While asking questions is important, observation also plays a vital role in finding the right fit.
During your tour, notice:
- Are residents engaged and comfortable?
- Do team members greet residents by name?
- Does the environment feel clean, peaceful, and inviting?
- Are there smiles, laughter, and meaningful interaction?
- Is the energy respectful, calm, and kind?
Sometimes, your instincts will speak louder than words.
A Trusted Partner in Memory Care
Choosing a memory care community is one of the most meaningful decisions a family can make.
At The Kensington Bethesda, we understand the emotional weight of that choice. That’s why we’ve built a community grounded in Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own.
With two levels of memory care, personalized support, and a deeply compassionate team, we walk alongside families through every step of the dementia journey.
Get the Most Out of Your Visit
We encourage you to bring a notebook, a printed list of your top memory care tour questions, and a trusted friend or family member to accompany you during your visit.
At The Kensington Bethesda, we’re happy to offer a guided tour, introduce you to our care team, and answer your questions openly and honestly.
Want to get started? Contact us today to schedule your memory care tour and explore the difference a truly compassionate community can make.