Choosing dementia care: what to look for in a memory care home

Choosing a care home · 4 min read · Last updated 30 October 2026

Dementia changes what a person needs from a home. Good dementia care is about trained, patient staff, a calm and familiar environment and a daily routine built around the person. This guide sets out what the NHS and Dementia UK suggest you look for, and how to compare homes that offer memory care.

What "memory care" means

There is no single international definition. Homes use terms like memory care, dementia care or dementia unit, and what they mean can differ. Some are dedicated units with specially trained staff and secure layouts, while others simply admit residents with dementia. Ask each home exactly what it offers rather than relying on the label.

See our guide to types of senior care for how memory care fits alongside residential and nursing care.

Staff and care

Dementia UK suggests looking at the staff team, their training and the manager's leadership. The NHS suggests checking whether the manager arranges a care assessment before admission and whether staff are trained in dementia care. Useful questions:

  • Do all staff, not just some, have dementia-specific training?
  • What is the staff turnover? Will your relative see familiar faces?
  • Is there an assessment before admission, and a care plan that records life history, likes and routines?
  • How do staff support residents who have difficulty communicating, or who become distressed?
  • How are families involved in care decisions, and how easily can you reach staff?
  • Is there someone who organises activities designed for people with dementia?
  • How will the home support your relative as their needs change, including near the end of life?

The building and daily life

  • Atmosphere: is the welcome warm, does the home feel homely, and do residents and staff seem content? Notice the smell, the temperature and the noise.
  • Bedrooms: can your relative bring their own furniture and belongings? Are toilets easy to reach from bedrooms and living areas?
  • Outdoor space: is there a garden where residents can walk safely?
  • Social spaces: are there both quiet and lively areas, with chairs grouped to encourage conversation?
  • Activities: are they tailored to individual interests, and can your relative keep up favourite hobbies? Are residents involved in everyday tasks such as setting tables or gardening?
  • Food: is it good quality, and can special diets and cultural preferences be met?
  • Healthcare: is there regular access to a doctor, dentist, podiatrist and optician?

Visiting and trial stays

Visit several homes, more than once and at different times of day. Dementia UK suggests asking to share a meal with the person. The NHS notes that residents who seem happy and responsive are a good sign, and it suggests asking whether visitors are welcome at any time and whether you can keep helping with care, for example by joining an activity. Use our visit checklist alongside this guide.

If possible, arrange a short stay first. It lets your relative and the staff get to know each other before a permanent decision. See respite and short stays.

Talking about the decision

Where possible, involve the person in the decision and let them see the homes with you. Our guide to talking to a parent about moving has suggestions. A doctor or a local social-care assessment is the reliable way to establish what level of care someone needs.

Frequently asked questions

Does a dementia care home need a special licence?

It depends on the country and the home. Rules differ across Mediterranean countries, so ask each home for its authorisation and what the authority allows it to provide. Do not rely on the label "memory care" alone.

Should I choose a dedicated dementia unit?

Not necessarily. What matters is staff training, how the home treats your relative as an individual, and whether the environment is calm and safe. Compare the actual staff, routines and building rather than the name.

Can we try a home before deciding?

Many homes offer short stays. A short stay can work as a trial, but ask each home whether it offers one for people with dementia.

Sources and further reading

This guide is general information only, compiled from the public sources listed above as of the date shown. It is not legal, medical, tax, financial or care advice, and we cannot guarantee that it is complete, accurate or up to date. Rules, thresholds and prices change and differ by country and region, and some sources describe other countries' rules as examples. Check details with the authorities and care homes named, and take professional advice for your own situation before you act. If you spot an error, please email [email protected] and we will correct it.