Finding the Right Clare Bridge® Community

When exploring memory care communities for your loved one, consider what kind of support they might need, where they'd like to be located and what kinds of amenities they would benefit from. At each step of the process, Brookdale associates are here to help you find the right match.

What Should I Look For in a Memory Care Community?

Finding the right 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?

Finding the right 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

To help you with your search, we’ve put together a list of things to consider as you search, tour and compare different memory care communities.

Staff

Are there staff members on duty 24/7?
Is the staff trained to serve residents in early, middle and late stages of dementia?
Is the community adequately staffed to care for each resident?
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 residents in early, middle and late stages of dementia?
Is the community adequately staffed to care for each resident?
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 residents?
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 a resident bring their pet with them?

The Clare Bridge Community

Is the community set up to accommodate wheelchair-bound or bedridden residents?
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 a resident bring their pet with them?

Services

Does each resident have an individualized care plan?
Does the community provide a personal assessment before admitting new residents?
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 the resident’s health?
What is the community’s discharge policy?
What is the housekeeping and laundry schedule?

Services

Does each resident have an individualized care plan?
Does the community provide a personal assessment before admitting new residents?
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 the resident’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

We've outlined some steps to help you with the process of finding a community. Here's what you can expect:

Step 1: Choose a Location

The very first decision you need to make is geographic location. Would it be better for your loved one to remain in the area where they live now, or would they have a better support system if they lived closer to friends and family members?

Step 2: Create a List of Questions

Use the list of questions above or create your own list of general questions you want answered when touring communities. Feel free to tailor these questions to your loved one’s wants and needs.

Step 3: Tour Your Options

Once you’ve picked a specific location and created a general list of questions, begin your search for memory care communities in the area. Pick your top three to five communities to start scheduling visits and taking tours.

From here, schedule a tour by calling the community. Visiting in person can help you get a feel for the environment and people your loved one would spend time with every day. This also gives you a chance to ask questions about the amenities and services.

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 their family members. 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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