Making the decision to move a loved one into a long-term dementia care facility is never easy. It’s a journey often filled with emotion, uncertainty, and a desire to ensure the best possible quality of life for someone you care deeply about. So how do you know which facility is the right one? Finding the best long-term dementia care facility goes beyond comparing brochures or room sizes. It’s about identifying a place where your loved one will be truly seen, understood, and supported – not just medically, but emotionally and socially too.
To help guide you through this important decision, we’ve put together a list of thoughtful questions to ask when evaluating dementia care facilities, along with key considerations that can signal exceptional care.
1. What level of personalised care is offered?
Ask: How do you tailor care plans to each resident’s needs, personality, and stage of dementia?
Why it matters: The best long-term dementia care facility doesn’t use a cookie-cutter approach. Each resident should have an individualised care plan that evolves as their needs change. At Livewell, for example, we take time to understand every resident’s personal history, daily rhythms, preferences, and cognitive profile to create a supportive and familiar environment.
2. What kind of therapies and activities are provided?
Ask: What memory care activities, cognitive therapies, or enrichment programs are available?
Why it matters: Engagement is a cornerstone of dementia care. The best facilities go beyond passive care and actively support cognitive stimulation, creativity, and joy. Look for programs like music therapy, art, gardening, reminiscence activities, and physical movement – ideally tailored to individual ability and interests.
3. How is the staff trained and supported?
Ask: What qualifications and training do your caregivers receive? How do you ensure staff wellbeing and continuity?
Why it matters: Dementia care requires empathy, patience, and deep understanding. The best long-term dementia care facilities prioritise ongoing staff training, emotional support for caregivers, and a culture of compassion. High staff retention is also a good sign of quality care and continuity for residents.
4. What role do families play in the care process?
Ask: How do you involve families in updates, care planning, and visits?
Why it matters: Families should be seen as partners in care. At Livewell, we provide regular updates, encourage family involvement, and offer emotional support to help loved ones stay connected and informed – especially in long-term or progressive care scenarios.
5. What makes the living environment safe and comfortable?
Ask: How is the facility designed to support independence, safety, and familiarity for residents with dementia?
Why it matters: A thoughtfully designed environment can reduce confusion, prevent falls, and promote autonomy. Look for secure yet non-institutional spaces, visual cues, calm colours, and sensory gardens. Bonus points if the facility is pet-friendly or includes outdoor access – these touches can make a big emotional difference.
6. Is this truly a long-term solution?
Ask: Can you accommodate residents as their needs evolve, including more advanced stages of dementia or end-of-life care?
Why it matters: Dementia is progressive, and continuity of care is vital. The best long-term dementia care facility will be equipped to provide consistent support across every stage, so your loved one doesn’t have to transition again later on.
7. What is the atmosphere like?
Ask yourself: Do residents seem content and engaged? Does the team interact warmly and respectfully with residents? Do I feel at ease here?
Why it matters: Beyond the checklist, trust your instincts. A truly exceptional care facility will feel more like a community or a home than a healthcare institution. It should offer a warm, dignified, and supportive atmosphere – not just for residents, but for visiting family too.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best long-term dementia care facility is not just about finding a place, it’s about finding a partner in your loved one’s care journey. At Livewell, we pride ourselves on offering specialised, personalised, and luxurious dementia care that nurtures body, mind, and soul.
If you’re exploring care options, we’d love to speak with you, answer your questions, and show you what makes our approach different. Because your loved one deserves more than care, they deserve to live well.