Finding the Right Clare Bridge® Community

As you explore memory care, start with what matters.
Think about the support your loved one may need, the location that feels right and amenities that could enhance their daily life. Every step of the way, Brookdale care partners are here to help you find the community that feels like home.

What Should I Look For in a Memory Care Community?

Step 1: Choose a location

Decide if you want your loved one near family or close to the places, activities and medical care they know well.

Step 2: Make a list of questions

Ask about care plans, staff training, medical support, security features and daily engagement.

Step 3: Tour communities in person

Ask about:

Companion suites
Outdoor spaces
Personalization
Pets
Security protocols
Daily programs

What Should I Look For in a Memory Care Community?

Step 1: Choose a location

Decide if you want your loved one near family or close to the places, activities and medical care they know well.

Step 2: Make a list of questions

Ask about care plans, staff training, medical support, security features and daily engagement.

Step 3: Tour communities in person

Ask about:

Companion suites
Outdoor spaces
Personalization
Pets
Security protocols
Daily programs

Top Things to Consider When Researching Clare Bridge Communities

As you explore, tour and compare memory care communities, use these questions to help you focus on what matters for your loved one.

Staff

Are there staff members on duty 24/7?
Is the staff trained to serve in early, middle and late stages of dementia?
Is the community adequately staffed to care for my loved one?
What training do staff members receive for managing behavioral expressions and needs?
Does staff seem knowledgeable, caring and happy to be there?
Are there consistent care assignments?

Staff

Are there staff members on duty 24/7?
Is the staff trained to serve in early, middle and late stages of dementia?
Is the community adequately staffed to care for my loved one?
What training do staff members receive for managing behavioral expressions and needs?
Does staff seem knowledgeable, caring and happy to be there?
Are there consistent care assignments?

The Clare Bridge Community

Is the community set up to accommodate wheelchair-bound or bedridden individuals?
Does the community have a dining room, activity space and a common space living room?
Are there any extra amenities, like a library, movie theater or exercise room?
Are there indoor and outdoor recreation areas?
Are the apartments furnished?
Do they use wayfinding cues like contrasting wall colors to help navigation?
Are the community entrances and exits secure?
Can my loved one bring their pet with them?

The Clare Bridge Community

Is the community set up to accommodate wheelchair-bound or bedridden individuals?
Does the community have a dining room, activity space and a common space living room?
Are there any extra amenities, like a library, movie theater or exercise room?
Are there indoor and outdoor recreation areas?
Are the apartments furnished?
Do they use wayfinding cues like contrasting wall colors to help navigation?
Are the community entrances and exits secure?
Can my loved one bring their pet with them?

Services

Are individualized care plans available for everyone?
Does the community provide a personal assessment before welcoming new members?
Is there a visiting physician or are you allowed to coordinate outside (visiting) care?
What is the community policy for handling emergency medical situations?
How often does the community update family members on their loved one’s health?
What is the community’s discharge policy?
What is the housekeeping and laundry schedule?

Services

Are individualized care plans available for everyone?
Does the community provide a personal assessment before welcoming new members?
Is there a visiting physician or are you allowed to coordinate outside (visiting) care?
What is the community policy for handling emergency medical situations?
How often does the community update family members on their loved one’s health?
What is the community’s discharge policy?
What is the housekeeping and laundry schedule?

A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding a Clare Bridge Community

To guide you through the process, we’ve outlined a few simple steps. Here’s what you can expect:

Step 1: Choose a Location

Think about what feels best for your loved one. Would your loved one feel more supported staying nearby or living closer to family? This first step can help guide the rest of your journey.

Step 2: Create a List of Questions

Use the list above or create a custom set of questions based on your loved one’s preferences. Tailor them to what matters to you and feel confident during your community visits.

Step 3: Tour Your Options

Once you’ve chosen a location and outlined your questions, explore memory care communities in that area. Narrow your list to three to five top choices, then begin scheduling tours.

Call each community to book a visit. Touring in-person gives you a sense of the environment, the people and the daily rhythm your loved one could experience. It’s also a great time to ask about services, amenities and what matters to your family.

Step 4: Prepare for the Move

After touring your top communities, you should have a better idea of which one is the right fit for your loved one. Reach out to your desired community to begin the move-in process and start to prepare belongings for the move.

Step 5: Settle In

Now that you’ve found the right community and moved in, it’s time to get to know your loved one’s new neighbors and friends. Check out the programs, events and activities going on in your community for things your loved one might enjoy so they can start making connections.

Want info about pricing?

You got it. Fill out the form to unlock pricing information for our senior living communities. Then, you can head to a community page to learn more.

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