Memory care tour checklist: questions for families.

Before the tour.

• List essential support needs, routines, communication preferences, mobility needs, and activities that matter to the person.
• Ask for the provider's exact licensed name, address, license type, and license number so you can check official records.
• Request a current fee schedule, sample agreement, resident-rights information, and a description of services in writing.
• Prepare the same questions for every option and leave room to record unanswered items.
• Plan another visit at a different day or time if the option remains under consideration.

Staffing, training, and response.

• Who is present during the day, evening, overnight, and weekends?
• What dementia-specific training is required for direct-care staff, and how is ongoing training handled?
• How are changes in behavior, mobility, eating, sleep, or health noticed and communicated?
• How are urgent situations, falls, missing-person risk, severe weather, fire, and power loss handled?
• Who should a family contact with a concern, and what is the escalation process?

Daily life, dignity, and environment.

• Do staff interactions appear patient, respectful, and responsive?
• Can residents move through shared and outdoor spaces safely, with support appropriate to their needs?
• How are routines, food preferences, culture, language, sleep, and meaningful activities incorporated?
• How are privacy, personal belongings, visitors, and family participation handled?
• Are the spaces clean, maintained, understandable to navigate, and free of obvious hazards?

Care planning and changes in need.

• How is the initial care plan developed, reviewed, and updated?
• How are medications, appointments, outside clinicians, and hospital transitions coordinated?
• Which needs can the community support, and which changes could require additional services or a move?
• How are families notified about a significant change or incident?
• What information can the family review, and how are disagreements or concerns documented?

Costs, contract, and follow-up.

Ask for an itemized estimate covering housing, care-level charges, additional services, one-time fees, deposits, and refund or discharge terms. Confirm who reassesses needs, what can change the price, and how much notice is provided.

After the visit, separate what you observed, what the provider stated, what is supported in writing, and what remains unanswered. Review the official licensing record and follow up before signing an agreement.