Memory Care Facility Tour Checklist: What to Look for and Ask

Choosing a memory care facility for someone with dementia or Alzheimer's is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a caregiver. You want to feel confident that your loved one will be safe, comfortable, and well cared for, but it's hard to know what to look for when everything feels urgent and unfamiliar.

The good news is that a structured tour checklist can help you evaluate facilities objectively, even when emotions are running high. By focusing on key areas like safety features, staff training, daily activities, and care philosophy, you can gather the information you need to make an informed choice. Most families visit three to five facilities before making a decision, and having a consistent way to compare them makes the process less overwhelming.

This guide will walk you through exactly what to observe, what questions to ask, and what red flags to watch for during memory care facility tours.

If You Only Do 5 Things During Your First Facility Tour

What Safety and Security Features Should I Look For?

Short answer: Memory care facilities should have secure entrances and exits with discreet monitoring, clear visual cues for wayfinding, safe outdoor spaces, call systems in all rooms, and environmental modifications that reduce fall risks and wandering.

Entry and Exit Security

• Locked or alarmed exterior doors that prevent unsupervised wandering
• Security systems that don't feel institutional or frightening
• Staff stationed where they can monitor entrances naturally
• Visitor sign-in procedures that are followed consistently

Inside the Facility

• Clear sightlines so staff can see residents from multiple locations
• Non-slip flooring throughout
• Adequate lighting, especially in hallways and bathrooms
• Handrails in corridors and bathrooms
• Call buttons or pull cords in bedrooms and bathrooms
• Furniture with rounded edges
• No protrusions or obstacles in walkways

Outdoor Areas

• Secure, enclosed courtyards or gardens
• Shaded seating areas
• Walking paths that loop back (not dead ends)
• Garden areas that are safe to touch and explore
• Weather-appropriate access throughout the year

Ask to see the facility's incident reports and their wandering management plan. A good facility will be transparent about their safety protocols. For more on wandering prevention, see our guide on GPS trackers and ID bracelets for wandering.

How Do I Evaluate Staff Qualifications and Care Quality?

Short answer: Look for facilities where all staff receive specialized dementia training, maintain appropriate resident-to-staff ratios (ideally 6:1 or better during the day), and demonstrate patient, respectful interactions with residents during your tour.

Staff Training and Credentials

• Ask what percentage of staff are certified nursing assistants (CNAs)
• Inquire about dementia-specific training hours required annually
• Ask about training in non-pharmacological behavioral interventions
• Request information about staff continuing education programs
• Check if the facility has a registered nurse on duty 24/7 or just during business hours

Staffing Ratios

• Ask about daytime, evening, and overnight staffing levels
• Find out how they handle sick calls and staff shortages
• Observe during your tour if staff seem rushed or calm
• Ask how many residents each caregiver is responsible for during meals and personal care

Staff Interactions

• Watch how staff greet and speak to residents
• Notice if staff make eye contact and speak directly to residents, not over them
• Look for patience when residents repeat questions or move slowly
• Observe whether staff know residents by name and seem familiar with their preferences
• Check if staff knock before entering rooms

Ask to speak with the director of nursing and the memory care coordinator. Their knowledge, warmth, and communication style will tell you a lot about the facility's culture.

What Questions Should I Ask About Daily Activities and Engagement?

Short answer: Ask to see actual activity calendars from the past month, observe whether activities are happening during your tour, and inquire about how they adapt programming for residents at different cognitive levels.

Programming Specifics

• Request to see the activities calendar for the past four weeks
• Ask what percentage of activities actually happened as scheduled
• Find out how many activities are offered each day
• Inquire about one-on-one activities for residents who don't participate in groups
• Ask how they accommodate different cognitive abilities in the same activity

Activity Variety

• Music therapy, sing-alongs, or instrument play
• Art projects adapted for different skill levels
• Reminiscence therapy or life story work
• Physical movement, exercise, or dance
• Sensory stimulation activities
• Pet therapy or visits
• Outings or community connections
• Spiritual or religious services

Individualization

• How they learn about each resident's interests and history
• Whether they create personalized activity plans
• How they track participation and adjust based on preferences
• What happens if a resident consistently refuses activities

During your tour, ask what activity is scheduled right now and whether you can observe it. The difference between what's on paper and what's actually happening will tell you everything you need to know.

What Should I Observe About the Physical Environment and Atmosphere?

Short answer: Look for a clean, well-maintained facility that feels home-like rather than institutional, with appropriate lighting, comfortable temperatures, manageable noise levels, and spaces designed for both social connection and quiet rest.

Cleanliness and Maintenance

• Floors, bathrooms, and common areas should be spotless
• No persistent odors of urine or strong cleaning chemicals
• Furniture should be in good repair
• Paint, walls, and fixtures should look well-maintained
• Ask about housekeeping schedules and deep cleaning protocols

Sensory Environment

• Lighting should be bright enough to see clearly but not harsh
• Noise levels should be moderate, not chaotic or eerily silent
• Temperature should be comfortable throughout the building
• Consider whether music or TV is constant background noise or purposeful

Design and Layout

• Bedrooms should feel private and allow for personalization
• Common areas should have different zones for activities, dining, and quiet time
• Visual cues like pictures, colors, or memory boxes help residents find their rooms
• Spaces should feel home-like with comfortable furniture, not institutional
• Check if there are both private and social spaces available

Trust your gut reaction. If the facility feels cold, chaotic, or institutional, your loved one will likely feel the same way. For more on creating dementia-friendly environments, see our guide on home safety room by room for dementia.

How Should I Evaluate Communication and Family Involvement Policies?

Short answer: Choose a facility with a clear communication plan that includes regular updates, designated staff contacts, transparent incident reporting, and flexible visitation policies that encourage family involvement in care decisions.

Communication Systems

• How and when you'll receive regular updates about your loved one
• Who your primary contact person will be
• How they notify families about changes in condition, falls, or incidents
• Whether they use a family portal, app, or other technology
• How quickly they respond to family questions or concerns

Care Planning

• How often they conduct formal care plan meetings
• Whether family input is welcomed and incorporated
• If you can request changes to care approaches
• How they document and share behavior patterns or changes

Visitation and Involvement

• Visiting hours and any restrictions
• Whether you can visit during meals or care routines
• If you can participate in activities with your loved one
• Policies around taking residents out of the facility temporarily

Ask to speak with family members of current residents if possible. Most facilities can connect you with a family council representative who can share honest feedback.

What Financial and Contract Questions Should I Ask?

Short answer: Get a complete cost breakdown in writing that includes base rate, additional care level fees, move-in costs, services included versus extra charges, and refund policies, and clarify what happens if care needs increase.

Pricing Structure

• Monthly base rate for the room type you're considering
• How often rates increase (annually, based on care needs, or both)
• What's included in the base rate versus what costs extra
• Fees for medication management, incontinence care, or one-on-one supervision
• Any community fees, move-in fees, or deposits

Long-Term Costs

• Whether they use care levels or tiers that increase costs
• How they assess and communicate care level changes
• Average monthly cost for residents at different stages
• What happens if your loved one outlives their financial resources

Contract Terms

• Required notice period if you want to move
• Refund policies for unused days or deposits
• Whether they require a minimum stay
• Circumstances under which they can discharge a resident

Request a sample contract and fee schedule to review before making a decision. Consider having an elder law attorney review the contract if the terms seem unclear.

What Red Flags Should Cause Me to Eliminate a Facility?

Short answer: Walk away from facilities with strong odors, understaffed floors, residents who appear sedated or distressed, evasive staff, refusal to show certain areas, or high-pressure sales tactics.

Check your state's long-term care facility database for inspection reports, complaint histories, and violation records before touring. This public information can reveal patterns of problems.

How Do I Organize and Compare Information from Multiple Tours?

Short answer: Create a standardized scoring sheet or checklist before your first tour, take photos and notes during each visit, and review your observations within 24 hours while details are fresh.

Before Tours

• Create a comparison spreadsheet with key criteria
• Bring a notebook, phone for photos, and your checklist
• Schedule tours at different times of day (morning, mealtime, afternoon)
• Bring another family member if possible for a second perspective

During Tours

• Take photos of rooms, common areas, activity boards, and posted menus
• Note specific staff interactions you observe
• Write down the names of people you meet
• Ask if you can sit in a common area and simply observe for 15 minutes
• Notice your emotional response to the space

After Tours

• Complete your notes and scoring sheet the same day
• List your top three impressions, both positive and negative
• Note any questions that went unanswered
• Follow up with an email thanking them and asking outstanding questions

Many families find it helpful to narrow choices to their top two facilities and then visit each one a second time, unannounced, to see what daily life really looks like.

What Should We Expect Over the Next Three to Six Months After Move-In?

Short answer: Expect a transition period of two to six weeks where your loved one adjusts to the new environment, which may include initial resistance, confusion, or emotional distress that typically improves as new routines become familiar.

First Few Weeks

• Your loved one may be upset, confused, or ask to go home repeatedly
• They may not remember where they are or why they're there
• Sleep and eating patterns might be disrupted initially
• Some residents go through a "honeymoon period" followed by a harder adjustment phase
• Staff will observe patterns and adjust care approaches

First Three Months

• New routines will become more familiar
• Staff will learn your loved one's preferences and triggers
• You'll establish your own visiting rhythm
• The care plan will be reviewed and adjusted based on observations
• You'll identify which staff members are most connected to your loved one

Stay in close communication with staff during the transition. Your observations about what comforts or upsets your loved one are invaluable for creating the best care plan. For more on the transition process, see our guides on how to tell someone with dementia they are moving and how to talk to family about moving to memory care.

How CareThru Can Help with Memory Care Transitions

Finding and transitioning to a memory care facility involves coordinating with multiple family members, managing countless appointments and paperwork, and keeping track of medical history, medications, and important documents.

CareThru provides a central hub where you can store your loved one's complete medical information, medication lists, and care preferences, making it easy to share accurate information with the facility during the application process and after move-in.

During facility tours, you can use CareThru to take notes, upload photos, and share observations with family members who couldn't attend, helping everyone participate in the decision-making process even from a distance.

After move-in, CareThru helps you coordinate with the facility and other family members by providing a shared space for updates, visit schedules, and communication logs. You can track changes in your loved one's condition and document conversations with staff.

Frequently Asked Questions About Memory Care Facility Tours

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about evaluating memory care facilities and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or financial advice. Memory care needs and regulations vary by state and individual situation. Consult with healthcare providers, elder law attorneys, and financial advisors to make decisions appropriate for your specific circumstances.

Choosing a memory care facility is a major decision that requires careful evaluation and comparison. By using a structured checklist, observing carefully during tours, and asking the right questions, you can feel more confident in your choice.

Remember that no facility will be perfect, but the right one will prioritize safety, dignity, and quality of life for your loved one. Trust your observations, listen to your instincts, and don't hesitate to ask tough questions. The staff should be transparent, welcoming, and eager to show you how they care for residents.

For more support through this transition, explore our resources on when it's time for memory care, how to choose a memory care facility, and coping with grief and ambiguous loss. You're making an important decision with care and thoroughness, and that's what matters most.