Finding the right memory care place for your loved one shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle without all the pieces. With 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s in 2025, and 1 in 9 people age 65 and older (11%) having Alzheimer’s, you’re not alone in this search. What you need is the right list of questions to ask memory care communities to make this decision with confidence.
At The Gardens of Amarillo, families often tell us they wish they’d known what to ask before they started their search. That’s why we’ve put together this guide — to help you ask the right questions and find the best fit for your family member.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters More Than You Think
Before diving into our memory care checklist, let’s talk numbers. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that health and long-term care costs for people living with dementia are projected to reach $384 billion in 2025. With costs this high and nearly 12 million Americans providing unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, making the right choice from the start can save both money and stress.
The good news? Asking thoughtful questions about senior living for dementia during your search can help you find a community that truly understands your loved one’s needs. At The Gardens of Amarillo, we’ve seen how the right questions lead families to the right fit — and peace of mind.
Your Memory Care Checklist: Essential Questions to Ask Memory Care Facilities
Here’s your comprehensive checklist organized by category. Don’t forget to print this out and take it with you on tours — it could be a lifesaver!
Staff Training and Care Philosophy
Dementia senior living questions should always start with understanding who will care for your loved one:
- How are staff members trained specifically for dementia and Alzheimer’s care?
- What’s the staff-to-resident ratio during day and night shifts?
- Do residents work with the same caregivers consistently?
- How does your team handle challenging behaviors like aggression or wandering?
- What’s your philosophy on maintaining dignity and independence?
At The Gardens of Amarillo, our hands-on management team brings over 50 years of experience, and our staff receive ongoing training in dementia care techniques.
Safety and Security Measures
Your questions to ask about memory care should include these safety topics:
- Is the community secured to prevent wandering?
- What technology do you use for resident monitoring (door alarms, GPS systems)?
- How do you handle medical emergencies?
- What’s your evacuation plan for severe weather?
- Are there safety features like grab bars and anti-slip flooring?
Daily Life and Activities
Understanding daily routines helps you picture your loved one’s life in the community:
- What does a typical day look like for residents?
- How do you personalize activities based on individual interests and abilities?
- Do you offer cognitive stimulation programs?
- What happens if a resident doesn’t want to participate in activities?
The Gardens of Amarillo offers our signature “A Garden Walk” program, which focuses on purposeful engagement through personalized activities. Residents can enjoy supervised cooking clubs, art classes, card games, educational classes, wellness programs, and more.
Medical Care and Health Services
These questions to ask a nursing home or memory care community are vital:
- Is there a registered nurse on-site 24/7?
- How do you manage medications?
- What happens if someone needs skilled nursing care?
- Do you coordinate with outside physicians and specialists?
- How often do you assess and update care plans?
Dining and Nutrition
Food plays a big role in quality of life, so ask:
- How many meals are provided daily?
- Can you accommodate special diets or preferences?
- What happens if someone refuses to eat or has difficulty eating?
- Do you have a registered dietitian on staff?
At The Gardens of Amarillo, residents enjoy nutritious, chef-prepared meals served daily, with accommodations for individual dietary needs.
Communication with Families
Strong communication keeps families connected and informed:
- How often will you update me about my loved one’s condition?
- What methods do you use to communicate (phone, email, text, app)?
- Can I access care notes or reports online?
- How do you handle care plan meetings with families?
- What are your visiting policies?
Costs and Financial Considerations
Money matters, which is why clear answers count:
- What’s included in the monthly fee?
- Are there additional charges for higher levels of care?
- Do you accept Medicaid or have financial assistance programs?
- How much notice do you give for rate increases?
- What happens if care needs change significantly?
Moving In and Moving Out
Understanding policies upfront prevents surprises later:
- What’s the admission process like?
- How long is the waiting list?
- Under what circumstances would someone need to move out?
- How do you help families transition during move-in?
Red Flags to Watch For During Your Visit
While reviewing your questions to ask memory care communities, also watch for these warning signs:
- Staff who seem rushed, inattentive, or unable to answer basic questions
- Residents who appear unkempt, unhappy, or ignored
- Strong odors, dirty common areas, or poor maintenance
- Unlocked medicine carts or improper medication storage
- No clear emergency procedures or safety protocols
What Makes The Gardens of Amarillo Different
Located at 7480 Hillside Road in Amarillo, Texas, our community serves Amarillo, Canyon, and Claude with care that reflects true Texas values. We provide:
- Around-the-clock support from trained team members
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Personal assistance with bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Medication management for peace of mind
- Our signature “A Garden Walk” memory care program
Our spacious apartments and thoughtfully designed common areas create a sense of belonging where residents thrive and families feel supported. We’re conveniently located near local attractions and medical centers, including Northwest Emergency at Town Square.
Trust Your Instincts
After you’ve gone through all the important questions to ask memory care facilities, the final step is trusting your gut. Does the staff seem genuinely caring? Do current residents and families speak positively about their experience? Does your loved one seem comfortable during the visit?
At the end of the day, you’re not just choosing a facility — you’re choosing a new home and care team for someone you love. The right questions help you make that choice with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start looking at memory care communities?
Start your search as soon as you notice signs that current care isn’t meeting your loved one’s needs. Many quality communities have waiting lists, so getting on those lists early gives you options when you need them.
What if my loved one doesn’t want to move to memory care?
This is common. Focus on visiting communities together during meals or activities. Often, experiencing social interaction and structured activities helps people feel more comfortable with the idea.
How can I tell if memory care is a better option than assisted living?
Memory care includes specialized dementia training for all staff, secured areas to prevent wandering, and structured programs designed for cognitive support. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or shows signs of confusion or safety concerns, memory care is typically the better choice.
What’s the difference between memory care and skilled nursing?
Memory care focuses on dementia and Alzheimer’s support with some medical care. Skilled nursing provides 24/7 medical care for complex health conditions. Some people need both, while others only need one type of care.
Can family members visit anytime?
Policies vary by community. The Gardens of Amarillo always welcomes family visits and involvement. We understand that family time is important for both residents and loved ones.
Memory Care Questions Answered — The Gardens of Amarillo Goes Further
Asking the right questions is just the first step. The Gardens of Amarillo provides personalized memory care with trained staff, specialized programs, and true Texas hospitality. Contact us today to see the difference proper dementia care makes.