Are you considering putting your loved one into a memory care facility? There are many questions that you may have about the process and pricing, but there are some items that you don’t want to overlook.

Here is a list of questions you shouldn’t forget to ask when touring a memory care facility:

1. Who is the main point of contact? Most nursing home communities have someone in charge to organize questions from family members. These individuals are often in charge of arranging visitation schedules and informing people about upcoming events at the building.
2. What qualifications do the staff have? You’ll want to know how the staff is trained to deal with the various situations that they will encounter, from wandering residents to behavioral challenges. You should also find out what types of training or certifications the staff members typically need to have in order to work in their field.
3. What types of needs does the community cover? People with dementia need help with different tasks, from eating to getting ready for the day. Find out what needs the facility can cover.
4. How does the memory care community deal with behavioral changes? Some residents with dementia can be aggressive, while others will wander around where they should not. Find out how the staff are trained to handle difficult or sudden situations, and what precautions they will use to keep the residents safe.
5. How big is the facility? Knowing the number of residents can give you an idea of how many people the staff are juggling each day.
6. Are rooms shared? This is important because your loved one might be social and want a friend, or they could be someone who prefers their own space. Choosing the right room for your loved one can help them thrive as they receive care at a memory care facility.
7. What is the staff to resident ratio? This will give you an idea of how often your loved one will be able to receive individualized attention.
8. What is the food like? It is important to know if the food will taste both good and be nutritious for your loved one. You can speak with someone in the dietary department to learn the meal schedule, as well as how they accommodate people with food allergies or preferences. You’ll also want to know the general menu, how many snacks are available, and if residents are able to get food outside of dining hours.
9. Is there a waitlist? Many of the best memory care facilities will have a waitlist. Find out if the facility you’re touring at has a waitlist, as well as how long it is and what to expect if you receive a call when a bed is open. Sometimes it is better to get on a waitlist than to miss out on the chance of getting your loved one at a great memory care facility.
10. What type of activities are available to the residents? Ask how the facility sets up activities for the residents. Learn what types of accommodations that they make and what they do to help people who might have disabilities. You should also ask to see an activities schedule and find out how many people attend each session.
11. What are visitation hours like? Ask about visitation and what times are open for friends and family to come. You can also ask if they have community events that allow people to participate in. You should also find out what volunteer groups work closely with the facility and what types of services they do for the residents.
12. What is security like? Ask about the security at the facility. This is important to know how your loved one will be safe and how visitors will enter each time.
13. Do you offer laundry/housekeeping services? Many memory care facilities will offer laundry and housekeeping services to help keep the residents’ rooms clean. Find out if they have these services, how often they clean and what steps they take when a resident makes a mess in their room.