Questions to Ask When Touring a Senior Dementia Care Community
July 3, 2025
When a loved one begins showing signs of memory loss, the journey to finding the right care can feel overwhelming. For most families, the decision to explore memory care facilities comes from a place of deep love and concern. At The Westerly Pewaukee, we understand that behind every question is a desire to protect, support, and provide the best possible life for your loved one. As you begin your search for senior dementia care, knowing what to ask when touring a community can make all the difference.
Making an informed decision starts with asking the right questions. These questions should uncover the full picture of how the community supports people with dementia through all stages of the disease. They should help you understand the quality of the care, the environment, and the people who will be surrounding your loved one each day. Below are essential questions to guide your tour and help you make the best choice for your family.
What specialized support is available for people living with dementia?
Start by asking about the type of dementia care the community provides. This includes understanding whether care plans are personalized and how staff address the different stages of cognitive function decline. At The Westerly Pewaukee, our memory care community was designed specifically to support people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
You should also ask how the team distinguishes between care needs in the early stages of memory loss versus those further along in the disease progression. Knowing that your loved one will receive specialized care throughout their journey is essential.
How are staff members trained to care for people with Alzheimer’s disease?
Staff training is one of the most important factors in providing quality senior dementia care. Ask if caregivers are specially trained in dementia care and whether continuing education is part of their development. It is also helpful to ask about staff-to-resident ratios and whether the same caregivers work with the same residents each day.
Consistency builds trust for people with dementia and ensures that subtle changes in health or mood are recognized. At The Westerly Pewaukee, team members receive focused training to support individuals living with memory loss in a way that reflects each resident’s unique needs and dignity. Our approach to person-centered care places your loved one at the heart of every decision, creating a sense of comfort and belonging that grows through daily connection.
What does daily life look like for residents?
Daily life should be purposeful, structured, and comforting. Ask about daily activities and how they are tailored to meet the needs and preferences of residents with cognitive impairments. Are there meaningful ways for residents to stay engaged with others and participate in activities that reflect their interests? How are daily routines structured?
Our memory care programming includes a range of daily activities designed to support cognitive function and bring joy to everyday moments. These programs are thoughtfully designed to help residents stay socially connected while encouraging gentle activity in a safe and welcoming environment.
How is personal care delivered?
Ask how personal care tasks such as bathing, grooming, and dressing are handled. Are they scheduled or based on individual needs and preferences? Dignity in daily living is crucial, so it is important to know whether caregivers provide support in a respectful and timely manner.
Personal care is a central part of daily life in memory care at The Westerly Pewaukee. Support with bathing, dressing, and hygiene is provided with attention to comfort and dignity. It’s also helpful to ask how these services are adjusted as needs change, particularly in areas like mobility and incontinence care.
What medical services are available onsite?
Understanding the level of medical services offered is critical. Ask if the community offers in-house visits from primary care physicians, nurses, or specialists. You should also ask about access to physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychiatric support.
At The Westerly Pewaukee, residents have access to medical services through trusted partnerships that bring care directly into the community. These on-site offerings include primary care visits, blood draws, advanced nursing care, and therapies such as speech and physical therapy, reducing the need for outside appointments.
What steps are taken to ensure a safe environment?
Safety is a top concern for most families. Ask what security features are in place to protect residents, especially those who may wander. Are there tracking devices available? Are the doors secured? Is there 24-hour supervision?
The Westerly Pewaukee offers a carefully designed memory care neighborhood with enclosed outdoor spaces and multiple safety measures, including emergency response systems and access-controlled areas that allow residents to explore safely.
Can family members visit freely?
Ask about visiting policies, including whether families can make unannounced visits and how often they are encouraged to participate in community life. Family involvement is vital in dementia care. It is helpful to ask if there are regular updates, care conferences, or family support programs offered.
At The Westerly, we value the relationships between residents and their loved ones. We believe that when families stay involved, it strengthens the connection between residents and their care team and helps everyone feel more supported.
What is included in the monthly cost?
Understanding the cost of memory care and what is included in the monthly fee is essential. Ask for a clear explanation of the pricing structure, which services are included, and which may cost extra. Are laundry, housekeeping, and medication management part of the base package? Are additional services, like incontinence supplies or salon treatments, an additional fee?
Be sure to also ask if the community accepts any form of financial assistance. While many families initially pay out of their own pockets, support may be available for eligible older adults.
How are changes in care needs handled over time?
Due to dementia being a progressive condition, it’s important to ask how the community responds as residents require more care. Are there regular assessments? Is care adjusted as the disease progresses?
Before receiving care, each resident at The Westerly Pewaukee completes a health assessment with a licensed professional. Ongoing evaluations then help ensure that support remains aligned with changing health needs over time. This long term care approach ensures your loved one is supported every step of the way.
What does the environment feel like?
Finally, pay close attention to the feel of the community. Ask if memory care units are private, semi-private, or shared. Are the spaces clean and thoughtfully decorated? Is there natural light and access to outdoor areas?
Ask how the environment is designed to help residents feel at ease and maintain a reassuring daily routine. In memory care at The Westerly Pewaukee, each resident has a private deluxe studio designed to feel familiar and support daily routines with ease. Our communal areas are arranged to encourage social interaction while also offering quiet spaces where residents can relax.
Your Questions Can Help Shape the Right Decision
Touring a memory care community is an important step in understanding how your loved one will be supported each day. The questions you ask can reveal what daily life will feel like for them and whether the community’s approach truly fits your family’s needs. At The Westerly Pewaukee, our approach is centered on meaningful relationships and the kind of everyday support that helps older adults with dementia feel secure and engaged.
We invite you to contact us today to learn more about our memory care services or schedule a personal tour. Your journey deserves a community that understands both you and your loved one, and we’re here to help.