Choosing the right memory care facility for a loved one can be overwhelming, but trusting your instincts is key. By asking the right questions and paying attention to the environment and care practices, you can ensure your loved one receives the personalized, attentive care they deserve. Let’s explore the critical factors that make a world of difference in dementia care.

1. What is the staff-to-resident ratio? By far the most important question you can ask, this question helps gauge how much individual attention your loved one will receive. In a large facility, ratios of caregivers to residents may be as high as 1:12-15, leading to de-personalized care and real safety issues. In a small boutique facility like ours, we maintain a ratio of 1:3 (i.e., each home has 2 caregivers for 6 residents), ensuring more focused, individualized care for each resident.

2. How often do caregivers stay with the same residents? Continuity is key in memory care. In larger facilities, residents are often encountering unfamiliar faces as larger facilities often use staffing agencies (i.e., strangers brought in by an agency who rotate throughout different facilities, so they don’t know the residents or have experience assisting folks with dementia specifically) or have high turnover of staff, which can create confusion, anxiety, and discomfort for dementia patients. At our boutique facility, we employ only full-time staff – experienced and continuously trained in dementia – who develop lasting relationships with residents, creating a sense of familiarity and trust. We have never and will never use caregivers from staffing agencies to care for our residents.

3. How personalized is the programming and schedule? We all have individual needs and preferences. Some are early risers, others wake later in the day; will the late risers still have a hot breakfast waiting for them when they’re ready? Some folks need daily showers, others prefer baths twice a week. What happens when someone refuses a shower; will they simply be left unbathed? These are questions that should be asked directly of the any facility you tour. How will the facility cater to your loved ones needs as opposed to sticking to their strict schedules? With dementia, in particular, there can often be resistance to certain care. Will the caregivers come back around and patiently try again, or will your loved one not get the care they need and deserve if they refuse the first time? We hear this complaint from prospective families constantly – that their loved one isn’t get their basic needs met because it doesn’t fit the caregivers schedules. At The Sanctuary, we take a wholly different approach: everything is completely personalized to the individual’s likes and preferences – meals, activities, and personal care schedules – because we have the staffing ratios to be able to provide round-the-clock, individual attention.

4. What type of training do your caregivers receive? Dementia care requires specialized training, and you’d be surprised how often memory care facilities have staff who don’t truly have experience in dementia care – the biggest issues being that they don’t know how to communicate with folks who have dementia, a critical skill in any caregiving endeavor. Larger facilities may not prioritize ongoing education or may rely on temporary staffing from agencies, which could also impact the quality of care. At The Sanctuary, all caregivers receive continuous, specialized training to stay updated on the latest dementia care practices.

5. Do you provide a personalized activity program for each resident? Activities are crucial for keeping residents engaged and maintaining cognitive function. Many larger facilities offer a generic activities calendar that may not cater to each resident’s unique needs and don’t have the staff to perform activities one-on-one, which is crucial in mid- to late-stage dementia.  The #1 most common complaint we here from prospective families is that their loved one sits in their rooms alone most of the day in front of a television because there aren’t enough staff members to engage their mom or dad. Take a look around as you tour – are the residents being engaged one-on-one, or is most everyone sitting alone? Trust your instincts. At The Sanctuary, our experienced Activity Director customizes a personalized activity plan for each resident, ensuring they remain active and engaged with a caregiver by their side to engage and facilitate meaningful interactions. We have a minimum of 3 scheduled daily activities that cater to individual residents but there are also plenty of opportunities for residents to engage in purposeful, meaningful activities around the home like helping prepare a meal, baking, blowing the leaves, tending to a raised garden, etc. Larger facilities don’t have the staff to engage one-on-one with residents. At The Sanctuary, that’s exactly the attention each resident is paid – not once a week, but all throughout the day, every day.  Your loved one will most certainly not spend their days sitting alone in their room in front of a television.

6. How do you ensure that care plans are updated as the needs of residents change? As dementia progresses, care needs evolve. In larger facilities, it can be difficult to maintain personalized care plans due to the sheer number of residents. A common complaint we hear from prospective families is that when they raise a concern with the management at the larger places, they don’t get a quick response or sometimes they receive no response at all. They don’t have direct access to key decision makers. In our smaller setting, care plans are continuously updated based on regular assessments, allowing us to respond to changes promptly and personally. Our whole team – nurses, management, ownership, activity director – meet quarterly with families to discuss care and exchange feedback. Additionally, our families all have the cell phones numbers of our whole team (we give it to you day 1 upon move in), and our management team makes it a point to reach out proactively to families regularly – even when there are no major changes to report – to ensure the family feels comfortable and stays informed so they can best advocate for their loved ones.  We prioritize communication both ways – it’s one of The Sanctuary’s key tenets: we will keep you informed, and we value your feedback because caring for your loved one is a team effort in every respect.

7. What is your policy on family involvement in the care process? Family involvement is essential for both emotional support and to ensure that care aligns with the resident’s personal preferences. Our small facility encourages close collaboration with families and keeps them regularly informed about their loved one’s care, fostering a stronger connection and understanding. You can find family members participating in activities and meals with the others residents. Our Supervisors in Charge and RNs are available by phone to residents’ families and keep in close communication – regularly sending photos and texting updates. Our homes feel like family, not an impersonal institution.

8. Can you describe the facility’s atmosphere and how it promotes a sense of home? The environment is crucial for dementia patients, who often thrive in familiar, calming surroundings. In larger, institutional settings, the environment can feel sterile or impersonal. Our boutique facility offers a cozy, home-like atmosphere, helping residents feel secure and comfortable in their surroundings. This also helps with transitions at move in, which can often be difficult for some residents. Many residents we have served over the years struggled with anxiety and behaviors in larger facilities that virtually disappeared once they moved to The Sanctuary. We credit this to a number of factors – including more attentive care – but believe that a large part of their anxiety dissipated as a result of living in a truly residential setting. An institutional setting with long hallways, elevators, and dining halls can be awfully difficult to navigate for someone with dementia, but we all intuitively understand when we are in a real home.

9. How do you promote socialization among residents? Social engagement is vital in memory care to combat isolation and improve quality of life. Larger facilities may struggle with fostering meaningful connections since residents with dementia need a lot of one-on-one engagement from staff and family members. Our small, intimate setting allows for daily, personalized social interaction, making it easier for residents to form relationships with caregivers, especially, and fellow residents.

10. What measures do you take to ensure the safety and well-being of residents with dementia? Safety is a top priority, especially for individuals with dementia who may wander or require additional supervision. In large facilities, safety is a concern because there aren’t enough eyes on the residents and falls are common.  Our small environment provides for significantly more supervision and a staff that knows every resident’s specific needs, ensuring a higher level of care and security. We have an excellent track record with falls because we have the staff oversight, protocols, and tools to protect your loved one (for more information, check out this article we wrote on the subject of falls: https://sanctuarysenior.com/preventing-falls-in-memory-care/).

Our best advice is always to trust your instincts when you’re touring:

-Note how often you see caregivers and what those caregivers are doing (Are they sitting with a resident, or running around? Do they look content at work, or are they stressed or distracted?)

-Note what the residents look like (Are they happy? Are they engaged? Do they appear sedated or lonely, or are they smiling and active?)

– Note how you feel (Do you feel uncomfortable or depressed, or do you feel warmth and love? You want your loved one to reside in an environment you’d be comfortable to spend time in, not a place you want to leave as quickly as possible).

These questions are designed to help you understand the key differences between large, institutional facilities and small, boutique memory care options. With our smaller caregiver-to-resident ratio, personalized care, and commitment to creating a home-like environment, we firmly believe our smaller, more intimate care homes provide the optimal setting for those with dementia.

Transitioning a loved one into a memory care facility can be one of the most difficult decisions a family ever faces. The move is often fraught with anxiety, both for the individual with dementia and for the family members who have been providing care. It’s natural for families to worry about how their loved one will adjust to the new environment—especially if they’ve never been in long-term care before.

Some common concerns include:

• Exit-seeking behaviors (trying to leave the facility if they become confused)
• Resistance to care, like refusing to shower or engage in necessary daily activities
• Separation anxiety, as the resident may have become dependent on a family member for all their care and comfort

At The Sanctuary, we understand these concerns, and we are committed to making the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s how we help new residents with dementia adjust to their new home:

Creating a Personalized Care Plan for Comfort and Familiarity

One of the first things we do when a new resident arrives is to work closely with their family to gather detailed information about their likes, dislikes, routines, and preferences. We want to know what foods they love, which TV shows they enjoy, what hobbies they have, and what comforts them most. This allows us to tailor their experience in a way that feels familiar and comforting, which is crucial during the early days of their transition.

For example, if a resident has a favorite snack or enjoys reading a particular newspaper, we ensure that those items are readily available to them. Familiar tastes, smells, and activities can provide comfort and act as a soothing distraction, especially if the resident is experiencing confusion or anxiety about the move. This approach can help to alleviate the anxiety associated with change and help residents feel a sense of continuity, even in a new environment.

Highly Trained, Consistent Caregivers Who Build Trust

At The Sanctuary, we know that trust is essential in dementia care. Many residents have been relying on family members for all their care for months or even years, and the thought of that bond being disrupted can be a source of great concern. Our goal is to foster a new bond between the resident and our caregivers, who are highly trained in dementia care and are skilled at building relationships based on trust, empathy, and respect.

Unlike large facilities that may rely on temporary staffing agencies, where unfamiliar faces come and go, our caregivers are full-time employees who stay with our residents over the long term. With a small, dedicated staff that remains consistent, residents begin to feel comfortable with the same caregivers every day, helping them form strong bonds that reduce feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.

Addressing Exit-Seeking Behaviors and Resistance to Care

It’s common for individuals with dementia to display exit-seeking behaviors, such as trying to leave the building, especially in the early stages of their transition. Our caregivers are trained to redirect these behaviors in a calm and reassuring way. For example, if a resident is attempting to exit the building, we might engage them in one of their favorite activities—whether it’s a game, a snack, or watching a favorite TV show—to gently distract them and ease their anxiety.

We also take a patient approach when a resident resists care, such as showering or eating. In these situations, we take the time to understand the resident’s individual preferences. Sometimes it’s as simple as offering a shower at a different time of day, or providing extra reassurance while assisting with personal care. Our caregivers know that patience and consistency are key to helping residents feel safe and secure in their new home.

Providing a Warm, Home-like Atmosphere

One of the biggest advantages of choosing The Sanctuary over a larger institutional facility is our home-like environment. Dementia patients can become disoriented or overwhelmed in large, unfamiliar settings with long hallways, multiple floors, and crowded dining rooms. Our smaller, boutique facility is designed to feel intuitive and familiar, much like a traditional home.

There are no confusing hallways or crowded common areas to navigate. Instead, we create spaces where our residents can feel at ease. Each home is cozy and warm, with plenty of natural light and comfortable, familiar touches. Residents can easily find their way around, which reduces anxiety and fosters a sense of security. The atmosphere at The Sanctuary is calm and inviting, and we’ve found that this helps ease the transition for both residents and families.

Spending Extra Time with New Residents During the Transition

We understand that the first few days in a new environment can be difficult, which is why we make an extra effort to shower new residents with attention. Whether it’s extra time spent talking to them, introducing them to new activities, or simply sitting with them until they feel comfortable, we’re committed to making them feel welcome. In fact, our Activity Director and other members of our management team often spend extra time with new residents during their initial adjustment period.

This approach helps establish a bond of trust and reassures the resident that they are in good hands. Families are often pleasantly surprised by how quickly their loved one begins to acclimate and feel at home.

Encouraging Family Involvement and Creating a Smooth Transition

While we understand that families may want to stay close during the transition, we have found that giving residents some space from their loved ones during the first week can actually help them adjust more quickly. By staying away for a short period of time, families allow residents to bond with our caregivers and feel more comfortable in their new environment.

Of course, this is always a conversation we have with each family, and the decision is entirely up to them. For some residents, having a family member nearby can be helpful, but for others, a short period of separation can allow them to form new connections and settle into their new routine without the emotional pull of seeing their family members every day.

Establishing Familiar Routines

We also believe that sticking to a familiar routine helps residents feel more comfortable and settled. If a resident is used to having breakfast at 7 a.m. or prefers a specific bedtime, we accommodate these preferences as much as possible. The more we can keep their routine consistent, the more comfortable they will feel in their new environment.

A Smooth and Supportive Transition

At The Sanctuary, we understand that moving a loved one into memory care is a major life change—both for the resident and for their family. That’s why we take a highly personalized, empathetic approach to help ease the transition. From creating a familiar and comforting environment to providing consistent, highly trained caregivers, we make sure that every resident feels safe, supported, and at home.

Families can rest assured knowing that their loved ones are in good hands and that we’ll work together to help them adjust to their new home. If you’re considering memory care for a loved one, we invite you to reach out and see how The Sanctuary can provide the compassionate, personalized care that your family deserves.