Memory Care Checklist: 10 Must-Have Facility Features

• Safety and Security Systems: Includes access control, monitoring technology, and fall prevention measures.
• Trained Staff: Caregivers with dementia-specific training for person-centered care and behavioral management.
• Individual Care Plans: Tailored plans updated every 90 days to meet changing needs.
• Memory Support Activities: Programs like music therapy, physical activities, and creative expression to enhance well-being.
• Nutritious Meal Planning: Menus designed by dietitians, tailored to dietary needs, and focused on hydration.
• Comfortable Room Design: Personalization, visual cues, and calming spaces for better navigation and independence.
• Health and Medicine Management: Regular health checks and strict medication protocols.
• Family Updates and Support: Real-time communication through portals and hotlines.
• Emergency Response Plans: Systems and procedures for quick, effective responses.
• Social Programs: Group activities to foster community and reduce isolation.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize facilities that go beyond appearances, focusing on safety, staff expertise, personalized care, and meaningful engagement. Use this checklist to ensure your loved one receives the best care possible.

How To Choose a Memory Care Facility For Dementia

1. Safety and Security Systems

With 60% of dementia patients likely to wander, safety and security systems play a critical role in protecting residents.

Key Safety Features

Memory care facilities combine advanced technology with thoughtful design to ensure resident safety:

• Access Control Systems: Locked doors prevent unintentional exits while allowing emergency access when needed.
• Monitoring Technology: Includes 24/7 video surveillance, GPS trackers, and bed sensors to alert staff about nighttime activity.
• Design Elements: Features like open floor plans, circular walking paths, and secured outdoor areas encourage safe movement.

These measures not only secure the facility but also help create a protective environment for residents.

“Giving people a safe place to move about is key.” – Julie L. Masters, professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha
“What we’re providing is sheltered freedom.” – Juliet Holt Klinger, senior director of dementia care at Brookdale Senior Living

Why Security Matters

When done right, these systems strike a balance between safety and independence. Max Winters, co-host of the Shaping Dementia Environments podcast and senior associate at Perkins Eastman, highlights:

“One person with dementia is one person with dementia. Every one of those people needs different things.”

Key benefits include:

• Continuous Monitoring: Staff can redirect residents safely and respectfully if they attempt to leave.
• Reduced Fall Risks: Controlled spaces help prevent falls and related injuries.
• Quick Staff Response: Integrated alerts ensure staff can address residents’ needs promptly.
• Family Reassurance: Families feel more confident knowing their loved ones are in a secure environment.

When touring facilities, ask specific questions to ensure the safety features align with your loved one’s needs.

2. Staff Dementia Care Training

Providing excellent dementia care starts with having well-trained staff. While most U.S. states don’t require specialized caregiver training, many memory care facilities go beyond the basics. Just as secure environments are essential, skilled and knowledgeable staff play a critical role in memory care.

Core Training Areas

Staff in memory care facilities are trained in several key areas, including:

• Person-Centered Care: Techniques that focus on preserving residents’ cognitive and physical abilities with empathy.
• Specialized Communication: Tailored methods for effective interaction with residents.
• Daily Living Assistance: Strategies to support residents in their everyday activities.
• Behavioral Management: Identifying and addressing common dementia-related behaviors.

“Validation orientation is the most humane way to interact with someone with dementia. We only use reality orientation if someone is asking something non-emotional, like ‘what’s for dinner, how’s the weather?’ If someone asks something more emotional – ‘where’s my mother, why am I here?’ – then we use validation.” – Pamela Atwood, Gerontologist

Benefits of Staff Training

Studies show that proper training leads to better care. For example, using person-centered and validation techniques during tasks like bathing has been found to reduce aggression and lower antipsychotic medication use by 30%.

Well-trained staff bring several advantages, such as:

• Better Pain Management: Improved ability to recognize and address discomfort.
• Fewer Behavioral Challenges: Techniques that help reduce difficult behaviors.
• Increased Safety: A safer environment for both residents and staff.
• Improved Communication: Enhanced interactions with residents.

“Quality training ensures that pain is recognized and treated effectively, that behaviors are minimized with a variety of approaches, and that staff and other residents feel safe, appreciated, and cared for.” – Pamela Atwood

Questions to Ask About Training

When evaluating a memory care facility, consider asking:

• What certifications do caregivers hold?
• How often is ongoing training provided?
• Does training extend to all staff, including kitchen and housekeeping teams?
• What is the facility’s approach to non-drug interventions?

Caregiver certifications are valid for two years and need to be renewed through continuing education units (CEUs). Initial certification costs range from $60 to $230, reflecting a commitment to quality care.

Staff expertise is a crucial factor to include in your memory care evaluation checklist.

3. Individual Care Planning

Individual care planning plays a key role in delivering memory care tailored to each resident’s needs. A care plan provides clear guidance for personalized support.

Creating Care Plans

Memory care facilities are required to create care plans within 30 days of a resident’s admission. This process involves a team effort, including a primary nurse, social worker, activities director, the resident (when possible), and family or legal representatives.

Writing care plans in the resident’s voice helps staff better understand their needs and preferences.

Key elements of a care plan include:

• Personal Biography: Details about the resident’s life and experiences
• Health Assessment: Current medical conditions and care requirements
• Daily Living Needs: Assistance required for everyday activities
• Communication Preferences: Best ways to interact with the resident
• Dietary Needs: Food preferences and any restrictions
• Activity Interests: Hobbies and social activities the resident enjoys
• Safety Considerations: Specific risks and measures to ensure safety

These plans provide a foundation for effective care, as explored below.

Care Plan Outcomes

Care plans are reviewed every 90 days to ensure they stay relevant and address evolving needs. When implemented well, they offer several benefits:

• Consistency in Care: Staff follow a unified approach
• Better Communication: Improved understanding between staff, residents, and families
• Reduced Anxiety: Care is delivered in ways that feel comfortable for the resident
• Improved Quality of Life: Activities and interactions are aligned with personal preferences

The success of a care plan depends on close collaboration between the care team and family members. Regular updates keep the plan focused on the resident’s comfort and dignity as their needs change.

4. Memory Support Activities

Memory support activities play a crucial role in helping residents preserve cognitive abilities and maintain emotional well-being.

Daily Activity Options

Here’s a quick look at common daily activities and their benefits:

These activities are tailored to fit the personal care plans of residents, adapting as their abilities change. Libbi Hash highlights this approach:

“When a new resident moves in, we learn their likes, dislikes, and interests. We create activities and encourage participation based on those passions. As residents transition through their journey and aren’t as capable, we can modify what they’re doing so they’re still able to participate.”

Activity Benefits

Structured activities significantly enhance the quality of life for residents. For instance, nearly 79% of memory care communities offer musical activities, which can improve memory and mood. Similarly, arts and crafts – available at about 75% of facilities – help reduce dementia-related symptoms while providing creative outlets.

Key benefits of these programs include:

• Cognitive Stimulation: Brain exercises help maintain mental sharpness.
• Emotional Support: Social activities alleviate anxiety and depression.
• Physical Health: Movement-focused activities improve balance and strength.
• Social Connection: Group events reduce feelings of isolation.

“Everyone has a need to feel useful, no matter what stage of life they’re in.”

When assessing memory care facilities, families should ask about:

• How activities are adjusted for varying ability levels
• Staff training in leading activities
• Integration of residents’ preferences
• Flexibility in scheduling
• Available equipment and activity spaces

The best programs strike a balance between structure and adaptability, ensuring all residents can engage meaningfully, regardless of their cognitive abilities.

5. Meal Planning and Nutrition

Good nutrition plays a key role in supporting the needs of individuals in memory care.

Menu Requirements

Memory care facilities stick to USDA dietary guidelines, creating weekly menus that are reviewed annually by licensed dietitians or nutritionists to ensure they meet nutritional standards. If a resident refuses a prescribed therapeutic diet, facilities document it and inform their healthcare provider.

Meal planning involves several essential elements:

For residents with different abilities:

• Serve soft, bite-sized foods
• Include foods with high moisture content
• Offer smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large ones

These carefully designed menus help achieve better nutrition outcomes.

Nutrition Results

Proper nutrition is essential for managing memory-related conditions, especially as the number of older adults continues to rise.

Research-backed dietary strategies show encouraging results:

1. Specialized Diet Programs
   Meals inspired by MIND, DASH, and Mediterranean diets – crafted by chefs – have been found to slow cognitive decline and lower the risk of dementia.
2. Structured Dining Environment
   Facilities use proven methods to create a calm and supportive dining experience:
   • Meals are served in quiet spaces to minimize distractions
   • Only one or two food items are presented at a time
   • Residents are seated properly to ensure comfort and safety while eating

   “I appreciate that everything is fresh and homemade.” – Jackie C.

3. Hydration Management
   Ensuring hydration is a priority, with steps like:
   • Offering water regularly throughout the day
   • Including moisture-rich foods in meals
   • Monitoring fluid intake for residents who may be at risk

Dietary plans are regularly adjusted to meet residents’ evolving needs.

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6. Room and Space Design

Room Features

Memory care facilities are moving away from sterile, clinical designs and embracing a more home-like atmosphere. Modern designs focus on creating spaces that encourage independence and comfort for residents. Key features include:

These thoughtful design elements make it easier for residents to navigate their surroundings. John Zeisel, president of Hearthstone Alzheimer Care, emphasizes:

“Design the entire environment so what people see, hear, touch, and smell all give them the same information about the environment.”

By combining functionality with comfort, these spaces promote both safety and independence.

Design Effects

Good design in memory care facilities goes beyond appearances – it directly impacts residents’ emotional and cognitive well-being. Research shows that blending environmental strategies with traditional care methods leads to better outcomes for managing dementia symptoms.

Here are some impactful design approaches:

• Wayfinding Solutions
  Facilities often use distinctive markers like artwork or furniture at hallway intersections to help residents find their way more easily.
• Therapeutic Spaces
  Features like healing gardens and recreational areas provide calming environments that reduce stress and encourage engagement.
• Social Connection Areas
  Smaller clusters of rooms create a sense of familiarity and encourage social interaction. Casey Franklin, assistant professor at the University of Kansas, explains:

“Research shows that residents have an easier time transitioning and forming bonds in a new facility when they can make it feel like their own space.”

When visiting facilities, families should ask about unique design elements. Erin Yelland from Kansas State University advises:

“If you see a unique design element or something curious, ask about it. If they have a well-informed answer, they likely have well-informed staff!”

Max Winters of RLPS Architects and Jennifer Sodo add insight into the emotional needs of residents:

“When visiting their loved ones in dementia care environments, one of the most dreaded statements for friends and family members to hear is ‘I want to go home!’ But for those living with dementia, this verbal longing for home is not always a literal request, but sometimes a cry for reaffirmation of a sense of ‘self’ – a sense of self previously supported by the feelings of safety, control, and love wrapped up in the memory of home.”

The connection between thoughtful design and compassionate care highlights how environments can actively support residents’ emotional and physical needs.

7. Health and Medicine Management

Health Checks

Memory care facilities rely on licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) to provide around-the-clock care and perform regular health assessments. These assessments help ensure that each resident’s care plan is personalized and updated as needed, with a doctor’s approval and ongoing oversight. Families play an important role in this process, as their input can help nursing staff improve the quality of care provided. This consistent health monitoring also supports the facility’s approach to managing medications.

Medicine Systems

Medication management revolves around the “med pass” system, where medications are administered according to a doctor’s instructions. Facilities reduce errors by following strict administration protocols and ensuring staff are thoroughly trained.

“Staff should also closely follow all medication administration guidelines.” – Nursing Home Abuse Center Team

Clear communication between staff, medical professionals, and families is essential. This cooperation helps reduce risks and ensures residents receive the medical attention they need.

8. Family Updates and Support

Communication Methods

Memory care facilities provide families with updates through secure online portals and 24/7 phone hotlines. These tools ensure families stay informed about their loved ones’ well-being.

These options help families stay connected and informed at all times.

Family Resources

Many facilities offer access to a long-term care ombudsman program, which helps resolve concerns at no cost. Families can reach the ombudsman by calling 1-800-252-2412.

These resources empower families to stay involved and address any issues quickly.

9. Emergency Response Plans

Emergency Equipment

Memory care facilities in Florida must use emergency response systems that meet state regulations. These systems are designed to quickly alert staff and help prevent wandering, following state guidelines. Reliable operation of this equipment is crucial to keeping residents safe.

Safety Procedures

With the equipment in place, clear procedures are key to handling emergencies effectively. According to the Agency for Health Care Administration, memory care facilities must create and maintain safety protocols. These include evacuation plans tailored to residents with different mobility needs and a system for coordinating with local emergency services. Regular emergency drills and reviews ensure both equipment and procedures are functioning as intended. Plans also address challenges posed by severe weather conditions.

10. Social Programs

In addition to personalized care and cognitive-focused activities, social programs are a key component of memory care.

Group Activities

Memory care facilities often provide group activities designed to meet the cognitive needs of their residents. These sessions encourage social interaction and help establish a sense of routine. Studies highlight the importance of community-based activities in improving residents’ overall well-being.

Social Benefits

Group activities create opportunities for residents to experience broader social connections. These programs help improve quality of life by encouraging meaningful interactions and building a sense of community.

“Senior centers offer a range of recreational pursuits, events, and essential resources, including health programs, dietary advice, and support for issues related to senior living”

When assessing memory care facilities, be sure to consider the availability and quality of their social programs.

Conclusion: Using Your Checklist

Use this checklist to assess memory care facilities effectively. Pay close attention to resident engagement, the design of the space, and how staff interact with residents during your visits.

Programs tailored to individual needs and personalized care plans are key to improving residents’ well-being. These elements should align with the safety measures, staff training, and activity standards mentioned earlier.

Here are some actions to prioritize:

• Take note of how facilities handle safety protocols and provide 24-hour supervised care.
• Ask for details about staff training and their experience in memory care.
• Review sample care plans and ask how often they are evaluated or updated.
• Watch how residents participate in activities to gauge engagement levels.

If anything on the checklist isn’t clear during your tour, don’t hesitate to ask for more information. As Jill Lorentz, owner of Summit Resilience Training, puts it:

“Make sure the staff’s priority is getting to know your loved one.”

Keep revisiting the checklist to ensure the facility continues to meet your loved one’s changing needs. Memory care requirements often shift over time, so regular evaluations are crucial for maintaining the right level of care.

You can also consult senior living advisors during this process. Their expertise can help you make informed choices while navigating memory care options.

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