When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, the journey ahead can feel uncertain. One of the most significant and emotional decisions a family may face is choosing a memory care provider.
With so many options available, how do you know which community will truly meet your loved one’s needs, while also providing peace of mind for your family?
At The Kensington Falls Church, we understand the weight of this decision. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive guide of the most crucial memory care questions to ask when touring communities and evaluating providers.
This article is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and the tools you need to make the best choice for your loved one’s next chapter.
Why Questions Matter When Choosing Dementia Care
Memory care is not one-size-fits-all. Each community has its own philosophy, model, care levels, and approach to engagement. Asking the right questions helps you see beyond marketing materials and uncover whether a provider truly offers the specialized, person-centered care your loved one deserves.
Asking specific, informed questions when touring memory care communities is one of the most important steps families can take to ensure a safe and appropriate fit.
Whether you’re touring in person or gathering information over the phone, this memory care checklist will help you evaluate what matters most.
1. What Stage(s) of Dementia Does the Community Support?
Not all communities are equipped to handle all stages of memory loss. Ask whether the provider offers different levels of care and how transitions are managed as your loved one’s needs progress.
At The Kensington Falls Church, we offer three distinct memory care neighborhoods:
- The Kensington Club for new and current assisted living residents experiencing early cognitive impairment
- Connections for early to mid-stage memory loss
- Haven for mid to late-stage dementia
This dual-neighborhood model allows residents to receive the right level of care at the right time, without the disruption of moving to a new community.
2. What Specialized Training Does the Team Receive?
Memory care requires more than compassion, it requires expertise. Team members should be trained in dementia communication techniques, behavior management, and cognitive support.
Ask:
- How often is training provided?
- Are team members certified in dementia care?
- What is the care philosophy used (e.g., Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care™)?
At The Kensington Falls Church, our team is trained in evidence-based dementia care strategies, ensuring residents are supported with empathy and skill.
3. What Is the Team-to-Resident Ratio?
This is one of the most revealing questions to ask when choosing dementia care. A low team-to-resident ratio allows for more attentive, individualized care and reduces the risk of behavioral challenges going unnoticed.
Ask:
- What is the ratio during day vs. night shifts?
- How is care coordinated if a resident’s needs suddenly change?
Our enhanced care team structure at The Kensington Falls Church exceeds standard state requirements to ensure residents receive responsive, attentive support around the clock.
4. What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Daily structure is essential in memory care. Inquire about the community’s routine, including mealtimes, activities, rest periods, and personal care.
Look for a blend of:
- Physical movement
- Social interaction
- Sensory stimulation
- Cognitive engagement
- Rest periods
A predictable schedule helps reduce anxiety and confusion. Our team develops personalized daily plans that reflect each resident’s abilities, preferences, and pace.
5. How Is Safety Maintained Without Sacrificing Freedom?
Memory care should strike a balance between security and dignity.
Ask:
- Are entrances and exits secured?
- Are there enclosed outdoor areas?
- How are residents gently redirected when needed?
The Kensington Falls Church provides secure, thoughtfully designed spaces that allow freedom of movement while ensuring safety. Our secure garden, color-coded hallways, and calming sensory rooms support orientation and comfort.
6. How Are Meals Handled, and Are They Personalized?
Nutrition in memory care is about more than food, it’s about maintaining appetite, dignity, and joy. Ask:
- Are menus created with memory care needs in mind?
- Can residents with swallowing difficulties or other conditions receive modified meals?
- Are familiar or culturally relevant foods offered?
Our dining program combines gourmet meals with personalized support, including finger foods for individuals who struggle with utensils, as well as visual plate enhancements to stimulate the appetite.
7. How Does the Community Engage Families?
Memory care is a partnership. Ask how the provider keeps families informed and involved.
Important questions include:
- How often are care plan meetings held?
- Can families visit any time?
- Are support groups or educational events available?
At The Kensington Falls Church, we maintain open lines of communication, invite family involvement, and host monthly caregiver support groups and dementia education workshops.
8. What Happens If My Loved One’s Needs Change?
Dementia is progressive. Ask how the community adapts to changing health, behavior, or mobility needs. Do they coordinate with physicians, therapists, and hospice providers?
At The Kensington Falls Church, we offer:
- On-site nursing 24/7
- Regular health assessments
- Partnerships with hospice and rehab services
- Seamless transitions between our three memory care neighborhoods
This ensures continuity of care and comfort throughout every stage.
9. What Makes This Community Different?
This open-ended question invites the community to speak to its values, culture, and approach.
At The Kensington Falls Church, our answer is clear: Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own. Every decision, from staffing to dining to activity programming, is guided by this promise.
Families often tell us they feel the difference as soon as they walk through the doors, because here, care is personal.
10. Can I Schedule a Tour and Speak with Current Families?
Any memory care provider should welcome the opportunity to show you around, answer your questions, and connect you with families who’ve walked this path.
If a provider hesitates, take note of it.
At The Kensington Falls Church, we invite you to join us for a tour, ask questions, meet residents and families, and even share a meal. We understand that trust is built through transparency, and we’re honored to earn your trust.
Final Thoughts: Your Questions Deserve Honest Answers
Choosing memory care is about more than amenities or appearances, it’s about finding a place where your loved one will be respected, protected, and embraced with compassion.
By asking the right questions, you move closer to a decision that feels informed, empowered, and right for your family.
If you’re beginning the search for memory care in Falls Church, contact us at The Kensington Falls Church.
We’re here to answer your questions, guide your journey, and welcome you into a community built on care, trust, and love.